Day: January 2, 2025

Defense Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU) operatives recently used maritime drones to destroy Russian helicopters near Crimea. This event is unique and marks the first such operation in history, Defense Express reports.

DIU clarified that during a successful operation near Crimea, special forces of Group 13 used Magura V5 missile-equipped maritime drones to destroy two Russian Mi-8 helicopters and damage another one.

According to Defense Express, the amount of enemy equipment destroyed demonstrates improvements in the effectiveness of Magura V5 maritime drones equipped with missiles. Analysts highlight that achieving this required enhancements to all components, from the drone control system to the adaptation of R-73 missiles for use in maritime conditions.

Defense Express suggests that the Russian helicopters were not coincidentally on the path of Ukrainian drones. They may have been engaged in patrolling the Black Sea area, a common practice for the occupiers.

It is likely that the invaders believed a patrol of three Mi-8 helicopters would be sufficient to counter maritime drones, but they miscalculated.

“This also indicates that the operators of the maritime drones outperformed the enemy in terms of tactical preparation. This, in turn, allowed the full potential of the technical improvements made to the missile-equipped Magura V5 maritime drones to be realized,” analysts added.

DIU operation near Crimea

Earlier, RBC-Ukraine reported that Group 13, a special unit of HUR, conducted a unique operation near Cape Tarkhankut in temporarily occupied Crimea.

The operatives hit an aerial target using Magura V5 maritime drones equipped with missiles, marking the first such case in the world.

Initially, Ukrainian intelligence reported that one Mi-8 helicopter was destroyed and another was damaged but managed to return to its airfield.

However, DIU later clarified that during the operation, two Mi-8 helicopters were destroyed along with their crews. Another Russian helicopter was damaged.

Ukrainian manufacturers showcased more than 10 models of FPV drones that can be operated via fiber optics. The drones are capable of carrying up to 3 kilograms of payload, according to the Ministry of Defense.

These drones are in the final stages of codification and will soon be supplied to meet the needs of the army.

“The event featured domestic manufacturers who presented over a dozen drone models, including those capable of carrying up to 3 kilograms of payload,” the report stated.

Experienced UAV operators from the Ukrainian Armed Forces gave positive feedback on the new drone models and expressed interest in deploying them to their units.

“The FPV drones showcased at the event are in the final stages of codification and will be supplied for military use,” the Ministry of Defense confirmed.

Lieutenant Colonel Yevhen Tkachenko, Head of the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Department of the Defense Ministry’s Main Innovation Directorate explained that the enemy continues to enhance its capabilities to use fiber optic drone control technologies. Therefore, it is essential to neutralize their advantages in this area.

“Domestic manufacturers demonstrate their readiness to adapt swiftly to the challenges of modern warfare and bring innovative developments to life,” Tkachenko said.

Weapons production in Ukraine

Ukraine has completed testing of a line of UAVs with fiber-optic communication. They provide protected control even in conditions of active use of electronic warfare.

Ukraine continues to introduce new types of weapons, in particular, domestically produced missiles Peklo and Ruta, as well as the laser air defense system Tryzub.

Read more in the material by RBC-Ukraine.