Ukrainian intelligence has reported the destruction of two Russian Mi-8 helicopters in the Black Sea near the temporarily occupied Crimea on 31 December 2024.
According to the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, the operation was carried out using Magura V5 drone-missiles equipped with marine drones.
“According to updated data, as a result of a successful operation by the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine in the Black Sea near the temporarily occupied Crimea, the special forces of the Group 13 unit destroyed two Russian Mi-8 helicopters using Magura V5 missiles,” the statement reads.
Preliminary information indicates that the crews of the downed helicopters were also eliminated.
Additionally, a third Russian helicopter was hit by fire but managed to land without damage.
- Earlier, the Defence Intelligence had announced that, for the first time in history, a Magura V5 maritime strike drone equipped with missile weapons had successfully hit an air target, destroying one Russian Mi-8 helicopter and damaging another. The updated report confirmed the destruction of two helicopters in the operation.