Two Ukrainian Armed Forces Mi-24 helicopters shot down in Donetsk Oblst.

According to the Ukrainian authorities, two Mil Mi-24 Hind helicopters were shot down by “unknown persons by means of man-portable air defense system (PZRK)” overnight into May 2.

As a result two servicemen of the Ukrainian Armed forces died and several were injured.

Furthermore, one Mi-8 Hip helicopter of Army Aviation, Ukrainian Armed Forces, was damaged by small arms fire.

Whilst four persons were arrested for the downing, it is clear that MANPADS (Man Portable Air Defense Systems) are going to be a factor against poorly equipped (and trained?) Ukrainian gunships. Maybe it’s time for Kiev to dispatch some more survivable Su-25 Frogfoot jets.

Here below an image showing the Mi-8 hit by small arms fire:

Image credit: Ministry of Defense of Ukraine

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