Overview

• Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces reported using an FPV ultralight drone weighing about half a kilogram to destroy the aircraft.
• The strike was attributed to members of the 59th Assault Brigade known as the Steppe Predators in the Kotliarivka area.
• A video of the incident was shared on Telegram and highlighted by Ukrinform, though independent verification beyond these sources remains limited.
• The Mi-8 serves as a multi-role transport and support helicopter, and the reported model is valued at roughly six million dollars.
• The episode reflects a wider shift in the conflict where low-cost drones are employed to damage higher-value Russian assets.