Ukraine’s Mi-24V Helicopter Is Running Out of Camouflage—Because Kill Marks Are Taking Over

A Czech-supplied Ukrainian Mi-24V attack helicopter may be one of the most successful Ukrainian helicopters seen in public footage so far, with its fuselage now covered in markings for destroyed or engaged Russian targets, Defense Express reported on June 30.

Ukraine’s 11th Separate Army Aviation Brigade “Kherson” published photos of one of its Mi-24V helicopters during maintenance. On the side of the aircraft, analysts noticed an unusually large number of mission and target markings.

According to Defense Express, at least 78 markings appear to represent downed drones. Another 107 markings remain unidentified.

There are two main theories about what the second group may mean. One possibility is that the helicopter has recorded so many interceptions that the crew simply ran out of room for the usual drone kill markings and switched to a different format.

Another theory is that the additional markings represent strike missions against Russian targets using unguided rockets. That version may be supported by the fact that the helicopter was seen carrying launch pods for S-8 unguided rockets, which Ukrainian helicopters have often used in lofted attacks in recent years.

For now, the exact meaning of the second set of markings remains unclear. But if counted together, they suggest an impressive total of 185 Russian targets or missions marked on the aircraft.

Defense Express noted that this Mi-24V could be the most effective Ukrainian helicopter of its type currently visible in open-source imagery. However, that remains an assumption, since there are not enough public photos of Ukrainian helicopters with visible target markings to confirm an official ranking.

The helicopter itself is a Mi-24V, a Soviet-designed attack helicopter known by NATO as the Hind-E. A number of these aircraft were quickly transferred to Ukraine by Czechia as military aid in 2022.

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Outdated Soviet Choppers + Cutting-Edge Sensors = Ukraine’s New Drone Killers

Jul 16, 2025 16:31

The Mi-24V is the most mass-produced version of the Mi-24 family. It is a heavily armed gunship that can also carry a small number of troops. The variant entered production in 1976 and is equipped with the Shturm-V anti-tank missile system.

For close-range fire and strafing, the helicopter uses a nose-mounted four-barrel Yak-B machine gun. It is powered by two TV3-117V turboshaft engines, allowing it to reach a top speed of around 330 kilometers per hour.

The aircraft’s growing wall of markings shows how Ukraine continues using Soviet-era platforms in modern roles—hunting drones, launching rocket strikes, and keeping battlefield aviation alive under some of the most hostile air-defense conditions in the world.

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Drones and Helicopters: How Ukraine’s Air War Is Changing US Army Doctrine

Oct 17, 2025 15:28

The latest Czech aid to Ukraine included 10 ALTO NG training aircraft to strengthen its domestic flight training base for future military pilots.

In addition to Mi-24, Ukraine has turned the Mi-8 transport helicopter to drone hunting roles.

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.

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