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Ukrainian drone strikes down Russian MI-28NM helicopter mid-air

A Ukrainian FPV interceptor drone has successfully destroyed a Russian MI-28NM attack helicopter near the Kharkiv border. The incident underscores how low-cost unmanned systems are increasingly challenging expensive military aircraft.

LSN India · 14 October 2026

Ukrainian drone strikes down Russian MI-28NM helicopter mid-air

Ukrainian forces have claimed the destruction of a Russian MI-28NM attack helicopter using a First-Person View (FPV) interceptor drone near the Kharkiv regional border. The engagement represents another example of Ukrainian operators deploying affordable unmanned systems against high-value Russian military assets.

The MI-28NM, a modern attack variant in Russia's fleet, represents a significant investment compared to the commercially-sourced drone components used in FPV interceptors. Ukrainian forces have progressively modified consumer-grade drones with warheads to create effective anti-aircraft weapons throughout the conflict.

The incident aligns with a broader tactical shift observed on the battlefield, where resource-constrained Ukrainian units have developed innovative methods to neutralize Russian air assets. FPV drone attacks have targeted helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, and armored vehicles, demonstrating the technology's versatility in contemporary warfare.

Russia's MI-28NM helicopters have played an active role in combat operations, particularly in supporting ground forces in eastern Ukraine. The loss adds to documented cases of Russian aircraft being damaged or destroyed during the ongoing conflict.