Ukrainian Navy reveals how strikes on helicopters with Magura drones affect Russia's tactics in Black Sea

According to Pletenchuk, the number of enemy aviation flights decreased after the helicopters were eliminated. However, the Russians are still forced to use helicopters for counter-drone operations.

"This is their main task – patrol, detection, and destruction of our maritime drones. They haven't abandoned this practice. Besides, they have no choice and never fully understand the situation after the first attempt," said Pletenchuk.

A spokesman for the Ukrainian Navy pointed out that the Russians tend only to begin to understand the situation and draw conclusions after repeated accurate strikes by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

"Therefore, the picture remains relatively stable, but I hope it will change at some point regarding aviation use in the Black Sea area, as this is indeed a problem for us. The Russians continue to dominate the airspace around Crimea, in the eastern part of the Black Sea, at least tactically," emphasized Pletenchuk.

Destruction of Mi-8 helicopter

On December 31, Ukrainian intelligence units destroyed a Russian Mi-8 helicopter. This operation was the first in the world conducted using the Magura V5 strike naval drone.

According to Kyrylo Budanov, Chief of Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, the Magura V5 drones had previously attacked Russian aerial targets several times. However, at that time, Russian equipment still "managed" to reach the coastline, even though it was hit. On December 31, the Russian Mi-8 helicopter was shot down and fell into the water.

It was later revealed that during this operation, Ukrainian intelligence units destroyed two Russian helicopters in the Black Sea. Another helicopter was also shot down.