Official statements from Russian Ministry of Defense or credible international news outlets

Ukraine's Magura V5 Drones Use R-73 Missiles to Destroy Two Russian Helicopters

Jan 2, 2025, 01:52 PM

Ukraine's military intelligence agency reported that its Magura V5 naval drones, operated by the Ukrainian special forces unit 'Group 13', destroyed two Russian Mi-8 helicopters and damaged a third in the Black Sea near Crimea on December 31, 2024. This operation marked the first known instance of naval drones using R-73 air-to-air missiles to target aerial assets. The crews of the destroyed helicopters were killed, while the damaged helicopter managed to land safely. This incident represents a significant evolution in the use of naval drones in modern warfare, showcasing their expanded capabilities beyond traditional maritime targets.