Video: Ukrainian Naval Drone Destroys Russian Helicopter For The First Time

Drone Attack — Screengrab from X video posted by Defence Intelligence of Ukraine

Ukraine has announced that one of its naval drones has successfully destroyed a Russian Mi-8 helicopter in the Black Sea. According to Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Service (GUR), this is the first time a naval drone has ever shot down an air target.

The incident took place near Cape Tarkhankut on Crimea’s west coast on December 31, 2024.

The GUR stated that a Magura V5 naval drone, equipped with R-73 “SeeDragon” missiles, targeted two Russian helicopters during the operation.

One helicopter was destroyed, while another managed to return to its base after sustaining damage.

#працюєГУР

💥 Історичний удар ― воїни ГУР вперше у світі знищили повітряну ціль за допомогою морського дрона Magura V5

🔗 https://t.co/Td2vPEy6St pic.twitter.com/UC3SNnp6ah

— Defence intelligence of Ukraine (@DI_Ukraine) December 31, 2024

The GUR released thermal footage showing a helicopter flying over water before being stuck by multiple projectiles and crashing into the sea.

In intercepted radio communications reportedly from the downed helicopter’s pilot, a voice is heard saying, “482, I’m hit, going down.”

Russia has not confirmed the loss of the helicopter. However, its Defense Ministry reported that eight Ukrainian unmanned sea drones were destroyed on the night of December 30 and 31, 2024.

#ГУРперехоплення

❗️“БЫЛ ПУСК С ВОДЫ ― ПО МНЕ ПОПАЛИ!”

📻У здобутому розвідниками радіоперехопленні пілот підбитого ракетою з морського дрона Magura V5 російського гелікоптера Мі-8 панічно пояснює характер та наслідки вогневого ураження борту.

🔗 https://t.co/H2GwvgVuWV pic.twitter.com/VqcH0tXhi2

— Defence intelligence of Ukraine (@DI_Ukraine) December 31, 2024

A well-known Russian military blogger, Voenny Osvedomitel, admitted to the shoot-down of the helicopter.

The R-73 “SeeDragon” missile, originally a Soviet-era air-to-air weapon, was adapted by Ukraine for use on naval drones. This missile uses an infrared seeker to lock onto targets and does not require radar, making it effective in challenging conditions.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Kyiv has increased its production of both aerial and naval drones. Ukrainian maritime drones have been used to strike Russian warships and facilities in Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014.

These attacks have forced most of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet to relocate from Sevastopol to other bases.

References: Reuters, AP News

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