Russian Forces Using Helicopter-launched FPV Drones to Hit Ukrainian Suicide Boats

Russian forces have begun using FPV (First-Person View) drones launched from helicopters to hit Ukrainian missile-armed suicide boats in the Black Sea, following the loss of a Su-30SM fighter and a Ka-29 helicopter earlier this month.

Amid incidents involving the loss of Ka-29 and Su-30SM, intercepted by anti-aircraft R-73RMD-2 missiles launched from Ukrainian Magura-V5 unmanned boats, FPV drones launched from Mi-8MTV-5 helicopters at distances over 12-15 km (beyond R-73RMD-2 range from surface platforms) will now be used for interception. This replaces outdated tactics of intercepting BEKs with onboard cannons from 1.5-3.5 km, which endanger tactical aviation crews.

A video of the training was recently shared by the Russian Telegram channel "13 TACTICAL." The training involves using a Mi-8/17 helicopter as an airborne command post, with an external pilot controlling FPV drones from the helicopter's side door. Based on the interior setup of the aircraft shown in the video, it appears that the helicopter being used is not a combat aircraft but a specialized one, adapted for the task. During training, the drone is launched from the side door, with the pilot positioned at the open door to maintain stable communication.

The effectiveness of using FPV drones in this capacity remains uncertain. However, employing drones in this way could potentially be safer and more effective than relying solely on onboard weapons. The Black Sea Fleet is trying to develop this approach to counter Ukrainian surface drones, which have been used in various operations against Russian vessels and coastal installations.

The use of naval aviation to protect the fleet from Ukrainian unmanned vessels has been ongoing, though these efforts have not been without losses. In June, Russia reported losing a Ka-29 multipurpose helicopter during a Ukrainian combined drone attack. According to preliminary information, the helicopter was reportedly shot down due to an error by operators of the Pantsir-S1 air defense system, who mistakenly identified it as a Ukrainian drone.

Ukraine has reportedly used naval drones armed with R-73 missiles in attacks against Russian forces. In a recently released image taken from a helicopter, a Ukrainian naval drone was shown missing one of its missiles, suggesting that it fired at a Russian Mi-8 helicopter but missed its target.

In a rare acknowledgment of vulnerability, Russian Helicopters recently revealed that it is working on solutions to combat this new type of threat. At the Army-2024 Forum, a company representative told Defense Mirror, "We did not anticipate the widespread use of such drones when the conflict began two years ago. Our company is currently working on solutions to address this new type of threat." The upgrades aim to enhance the helicopters' defensive capabilities against unmanned aerial threats.