A Russian Aerospace Forces Mi-28 attack helicopter intercepted and destroyed Ukrainian kamikaze drones using automatic cannon fire, according to video footage published online.
The video clip, posted by the Bortovoy Zhurnal Voenleta Telegram channel, shows a display screen inside the Mi-28 cockpit recording the engagement. Automatic cannon fire from the helicopter destroyed Ukrainian Armed Forces FP-1 and MICH kamikaze drones.
The Russian Aerospace Forces, the air service branch of Russia's armed forces, rely on attack helicopters to counter low-altitude aerial threats including unmanned strike vehicles.
Weaponry and flight systems
The Mi-28 carries a movable mount in its nose fitted with a 30mm 2A42 automatic cannon, supplied with a 250-round ammunition load. Designed by the Shipunov Design Bureau, the 2A42 cannon is a gas-operated weapon used across multiple Russian military vehicles to strike ground and air targets.
In addition to its cannon, the Mi-28 can carry Igla-V air-to-air missiles to hit aerial targets. The Igla-V system uses short-range infrared guidance to engage enemy aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles.
The Russian Aerospace Forces deploy several variants of the helicopter, including the Mi-28N, the Mi-28NM, and the Mi-28UB training model. The upgraded Mi-28NM variant features a mast-mounted radar station mounted above the main rotor hub, providing enhanced target acquisition capabilities.
Helicopter operations against drones
Known by the NATO reporting name Havoc, the Mi-28 is an all-weather tandem two-seat attack helicopter designed by the Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant. The aircraft is equipped with armored cockpit seating and defensive systems for military operations.
Video footage released in May previously showed a Russian Aerospace Forces Ka-52 attack helicopter destroying an enemy drone. The Ka-52 crew also utilized the 30mm 2A42 automatic cannon to neutralize the target during that operation.
The Ka-52 Alligator, developed by Kamov, is a twin-seat attack helicopter equipped with coaxial counter-rotating rotors, serving alongside the Mi-28 in military aviation units.
