Ukrainian Mi-24 Hind gunship has shot down a Russian Shahed-136 kamikaze-type drone in combat.
Footage has emerged showing a Ukrainian Mi-24 successfully downing a Russian Shahed-136 attack drone using its onboard cannon.
The video, which has circulated widely on social media, captures the moment the helicopter’s 30mm cannon fires a precise burst, intercepting the loitering drone mid-flight.
The Russian Shahed-136, also known as the Geran-2 in Russian service, is an Iranian-supplied kamikaze drone frequently used by Moscow to conduct long-range strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure and military targets. These drones, while effective against stationary and lightly defended targets, have been increasingly countered by Ukrainian forces through both ground-based air defenses and now, as the footage shows, aerial platforms like the Mi-24.
Мі-24 збиває «Шахеда» pic.twitter.com/F5SEZ5dU5i
— MilitaryAviationInUa (@MilAviaUA) October 19, 2024
Ukraine’s Mi-24 Hind, a Soviet-era attack helicopter that has been heavily utilized by the Ukrainian military, demonstrated its versatility in this latest engagement. Known for its durability, speed, and firepower, the Hind is a formidable asset in close air support and anti-armor roles. The ability to intercept drones adds another layer to its operational capabilities in Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia.
Russia’s use of Shahed-136 drones has increased over the past year, leading to significant damage across Ukraine. The drones, known for their relatively low cost and swarming tactics, are often launched in large numbers to overwhelm air defense systems. However, Ukrainian forces have developed increasingly effective strategies to counter these threats, integrating advanced air defense systems and employing their fleet of aircraft like the Mi-24 in new roles.