The Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine (GUR) announced on 21/9 that they had destroyed three Mi-8 utility helicopters and a Russian Nebo-U surveillance radar. "The number of Russian aircraft in Crimea continues to decline thanks to the successful combat mission of the 'Ghost' special unit," the GUR stated.
Released video footage shows Ukrainian drones traveling over the sea and then diving towards Mi-8 helicopters parked at an airfield, as well as the antenna of a Nebo-U radar. The drone footage cuts off before they reach their targets. Satellite imagery included in the video shows a burning helicopter, but there is no evidence of damage to the other targets.
The Russian Ministry of Defence has not commented on the information.
The Mi-8 is a multi-role helicopter that entered service with the Soviet Air Force in 1967. It is one of the most common helicopter types in the world and is currently used by over 50 countries.
The Nebo-U surveillance radar was first tested in 1992 and entered mass production two years later. It can track aircraft and various types of missiles at a maximum range of 600 km, but is not suitable for detecting small targets like suicide drones.
The attack is part of Ukraine's ongoing efforts to weaken Russian military infrastructure in Crimea. In recent months, Ukraine has deployed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and drones to target radar installations, air defense systems, and ammunition depots in the region.
Earlier this month, the GUR claimed to have destroyed a 48Ya6-K1 Podlet radar and an RLM-M radar, after attacking several Mi-8 helicopters and a tugboat. Ukraine reportedly used Flamingo cruise missiles to attack one of these targets, but the results are unclear.
Pham Giang (Kyiv Post, TASS)
