Ukrainian precision strike cripples Russian helicopters near Belgorod
The Ukrainians, employing the M142 HIMARS system armed with M30A1/A2 rockets, attacked a Russian helicopter landing site near Belgorod. The targets hit were Mi-8 and Mi-28 helicopters. Here we examine the results of the attack and what the Ukrainians utilised.
The landing site was identified by Ukrainian special forces soldiers, after which GMLRS rockets in the M30A1/A2 version, specialised for engaging lightweight targets, struck the location.
M30A1/A2 rockets vs. Russian helicopters — one definitely won't fly again
Initially, the Ukrainian Main Intelligence Directorate reported four helicopters, but the video below and information from the Russian-related Fighterbomber account on Telegram indicate two helicopters were hit. The transport Mi-8 was the most severely damaged and is likely to become merely a storehouse of spare parts for other helicopters.
The situation appears better for the Mi-28N, though it will have a punctured fuel tank and damaged optoelectronic sensors along with electronic warfare pods, but critical components and the pilot cabin, due to additional armour, were probably not heavily harmed. The helicopter will likely be able to return to service after repairs, which may take several months.
M30A1/A2 rockets - rain of 182,000 tungsten fragments
Judging by the evidence on the helicopters, a few GMLRS rockets in the M30A1 or A2 versions likely impacted the landing site. The first has been produced since 2015, and the second since 2019. The main change is the use of insensitive explosive material, which is harder to accidentally detonate.
They are the same missiles with inertial and satellite navigation, with a range of about 80 kilometres (approximately 50 miles), containing an AW (Alternative Warhead) generating 182,000 tungsten fragments. This, combined with programming the explosion at a height of 9 metres (approximately 30 feet) above the ground, provides an area effect similar to controversial cluster munitions but without leaving unexploded ordnance.
The only downsides are the cost and limited piercing capabilities since the fragments have enough energy to penetrate bulletproof vests, missile bodies, or tankers but not armour plates or bulletproof glass that provide protection against .50 calibre bullets, for instance.
