Russians train to use FPV drones from a helicopter to fight Ukrainian naval drones

The Militarnyi media outlet, citing a Russian telegram channel, said that the Russian Black Sea Fleet had begun training to use FPV drones from a helicopter.

Here's What We Know

The Russian military uses an Mi-8/17 helicopter as an airborne command post to coordinate the actions of FPV drone operators. It can be assumed that the helicopter is not a combat helicopter, but a specialised one adapted for such tasks.

The drone is dropped from the side door of the Mi-8/17 helicopter, with the FPV drone operator standing directly opposite the open door to ensure stable communication.

The effectiveness of this tactic is not yet known, but it can be assumed that it may be more effective and safer than the use of onboard weapons. The Russian Black Sea Fleet is trying to find an effective way to counter Ukrainian surface drones.

It is worth explaining that the Russians are constantly using naval aviation to protect their fleet and coastal facilities from Ukrainian unmanned vessels. However, there have also been cases where helicopters have failed to return from seemingly safe missions. For example, in June, while repelling a Ukrainian attack, the Russians lost a Ka-29 helicopter.

Source: Militarnyi