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Ukraine’s $500 FPV Drone Destroys Russian Mi-8 Helicopter Near Donetsk, Video Confirms Strike
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
Ukrainian forces have destroyed a Russian Mi-28 attack helicopter using an FPV drone, according to reports from Ukrainian military officials on September 29.
The strike was carried out by the 59th Separate Assault Brigade of the Defense Forces’ Unmanned Systems branch.
⚡️ Pilots of Ukraine’s 59th Brigade used an FPV drone to destroy a Russian Mi-28 helicopter, commander of the Drone Systems Forces Robert “Madyar” Brovdi reported, sharing video of the strike. pic.twitter.com/zDDxy6faJE
— UNITED24 Media (@United24media) September 29, 2025
The video of the incident was released by the commander of the Unmanned Systems, Robert “Madyar” Brovdi. In his statement, he confirmed: “Helicopter Mi-28 by FPV drone was destroyed by the pilots of the 59th Brigade of the Unmanned Systems.”
Later, the brigade’s press service clarified that the engagement took place near the village of Kotliarivka in Pokrovsk district, Donetsk region. The footage shows the moment the Ukrainian FPV drone strikes the aircraft, leading to its destruction.
The Mi-28, also known as the “Night Hunter,” is a Soviet- and Russian-designed attack helicopter primarily tasked with eliminating tanks, armored vehicles, and infantry.
It is equipped with a 30 mm cannon and capable of carrying guided and unguided missiles. The helicopter remains one of the key rotorcraft used in combat operations against Ukraine. Its estimated cost is around 18 million US dollars.
Newly confirmed visual evidence shows that the aircraft destroyed by Ukraine’s FPV drone near Donetsk was a Russian Mi‑8, not a Mi‑28 as previously reported. The Mi‑8 is a twin-engine military transport helicopter used by Russian forces for troop and cargo transport, as well as airborne operations.
The updated identification follows analysis of footage published by Robert “Madyar” Brovdi, commander of Ukraine’s Defense Forces’ Unmanned Systems. The strike was executed by the 59th Separate Assault Brigade near Kotliarivka, Pokrovsk district.
Earlier, on May 2, Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence used modified Magura V7 sea drones armed with US-made AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles to shoot down two Russian Su-30SM fighter jets over the Black Sea, according to Kyrylo Budanov. The strike marked the first recorded instance of naval drones destroying manned aircraft with air-to-air missiles.
