Ukrainian Mi-8 Gunships Now Pack US M134 Miniguns to Take Down Russian Shahed Drones

Ukrainian forces have introduced new modifications to Mi-8 helicopters, significantly enhancing their ability to intercept Iranian-made Shahed drones.

According to Defense Express on August 14, recent footage shows Mi-8 helicopters equipped with updated targeting systems and additional armaments.

The most notable upgrade is the installation of an optical targeting station mounted ahead of the front landing gear, integrating both a daytime camera and a thermal imager for nighttime operations. A searchlight is also visible, aiding target illumination in low-light conditions.

While earlier drone interceptions in 2024 relied on standard Soviet-era PKT 7.62 mm machine guns, the latest videos reveal the addition of American-made M134 Miniguns on some airframes.

These 7.62×51 mm rotary machine guns deliver a rate of fire between 3,000 and 6,000 rounds per minute—substantially higher than the PKT’s 500–750 rounds per minute—providing increased lethality against small, fast-moving aerial targets.

The Miniguns are mounted at the side gunner’s position, enabling concentrated short bursts that can destroy Shahed drones instantly.

The M134 Minigun was first supplied to Ukraine in late 2022, but has rarely appeared in operational footage until now.

Combined with the upgraded targeting optics, these enhancements are expected to improve interception success rates, particularly during night missions.

Earlier, Defense Blog reported on July 16 that Ukraine has been pairing Soviet-era Mi-8 and Mi-24 helicopters with unarmed Airbus H125 and H225 platforms equipped with FLIR UltraFORCE 350 sensors to detect and intercept Shahed drones at night, using the Airbus as a spotter and the armed gunships to destroy the targets.