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Ukrainian Magura V5 naval drone downs Russian Mi-8 helicopter over Black Sea

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Ukraine's Military Intelligence (GUR) has announced that a Magura V5 drone successfully downed a Russian Mi-8 helicopter using missiles during a battle over the Black Sea near Cape Tarkhankut in the western part of occupied Crimea. According to the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, the drone struck the helicopter with modified R-73 SeaDragon missiles.

The intelligence agency's press release further reveals that another Russian helicopter was damaged during the encounter but managed to return to its base. The R-73 missile, known in U.S. and NATO classification as AA-11 Archer, is a Soviet/Russian short-range air-to-air missile equipped with an infrared guidance system. In May 2024, Russian military blogger reported that these R-73 missiles have been modified by Ukraine for launch from Magura V5 drones.Β 

Adding to the conversation, a Telegram channel associated with Russian military aviation, Helicopterpilot, commented that "sooner or later with this approach, it was bound to happenβ€”and it did," while extending condolences for "eternal flight to their comrades."

Back in March 2024, Ukraine's Defense Intelligence had reported the destruction of a Russian ship, the "Sergey Kotov," using the Magura V5 drone in the Black Sea.