Ukrainian strike with HIMARS devastates Russian helicopters
As a result of a precise strike on the launch site in the Belgorod region, Ukrainians managed to eliminate four Russian helicopters. According to analysts from Defence Express, the attack was carried out using HIMARS artillery.
A short video showing the moment of the attack was published by the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. However, missile forces and military intelligence, known as HUR, also played a key role, responsible for reconnaissance using an unmanned aerial vehicle. The identified Russian targets were four helicopters - two Ka-52s and two Mi-8s.
Attack on Russian helicopters
The shelling was executed using American HIMARS. Defence Express analysts specified that the Ukrainians used GMLRS M30A1 rockets (or the advanced M30A2). These rockets have a range of about 80 kilometres and non-standard warheads containing tungsten elements. They detonate directly above the target, thus demonstrating very high effectiveness.
"All helicopters were destroyed by rocket strikes in the enemy's rear, where the opponent had created a launch site for aviation - a concealed position for the quick relocation of aircraft or surprise attacks on Ukrainian security and defence forces," stated the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in a communiqué on Telegram.
Russians believed in disabled HIMARS
The OSINT community (so-called open-source intelligence) has already established that Russian helicopters were located east of the city of Ivnoye, near the administrative border of the Kursk region. Simultaneously, they were about 55 kilometres from the Ukrainian border.
Defence Express analysts point out that it is puzzling why the Russians decided to deploy valuable helicopters in the danger zone. They suggest that perhaps the Russians believed their own propaganda about the "disabling of HIMARS" after recent moves by Donald Trump or underestimated Ukrainian intelligence and combat capabilities, assuming that a short stay (e.g., for refuelling and rearming) near the border would not have consequences.
While the Mi-8 is an older helicopter, the Ka-52 is a machine that first flew in 1997. The value of each such Russian attack helicopter, reaching speeds of up to 300 km/h and capable of carrying various types of underwing armaments, is estimated at about €14-15 million.
