"Ukraine is using its helicopters as drone-killers, and they are proving so effective that Kyiv plans to boost employment to fend off relentless Russian attacks. Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi told reporters recently that helicopters are becoming an integral part of the military's air defense mission, sharing that when the weather permits, helicopters can sometimes shoot down up to 40% of the drones in an area. The plan is to lean into that further for air defense, he said."
"In August, the general said Ukraine had used helicopters to shoot down more than 3,200 Russian Shahed-type drones in the past year. These are the Iranian-designed one-way attack drones that Russia is using on a large scale. Ukraine's military has shared multiple videos over the last few months that show its helicopters hitting Russian drones. One shows a Ukrainian Mi-24 attack helicopter downing a Shahed with its gun."
Helicopters have become a key component of Ukraine's air defense, proving effective at intercepting and destroying drones. When weather permits, helicopters can account for up to 40% of drone losses in an area. Kyiv plans to increase helicopter employment in the air-defense role and to convert and upgrade more airframes for that purpose. Upgrades may include thermal and infrared sensors to improve detection at night and in poor weather. Ukrainian forces report more than 3,200 Shahed-type drones shot down by helicopters over the past year, supported by multiple cockpit and operational videos. Helicopters remain vulnerable near front lines to shoulder-fired missiles, requiring cautious employment.
Read at Business Insider
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