Russian Ka-52 Attack Helicopter Shot Down by Ukrainian Drone Crew

(NADIIIVKA, DONETSK OBLAST) – Ukrainian unmanned systems units have destroyed a Russian Ka 52 attack helicopter and its crew in the eastern Donetsk region, according to military reports released on 20 March.

The helicopter was targeted by a fibre optic guided FPV drone operated by the “Baltika” crew from the 1st Battalion “Predators of the Heights” of the 59th Brigade within Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces. The strike took place near the settlement of Nadiiivka.

Following the strike, the helicopter made an emergency landing. The crew reportedly attempted to evacuate the aircraft after the crash.

Additional Ukrainian drone units from the 1st Battalion of the 414th Separate Brigade, known as “Magyar’s Birds”, were deployed to the scene. These units subsequently targeted and destroyed the Russian crew during their evacuation attempt.

The operation reinforced the increasing effectiveness of Ukrainian FPV drone tactics, particularly fibre optic controlled systems, which are less vulnerable to electronic warfare interference.

Magyar’s Birds document battlefield outcomes through the Unmanned Systems Forces’ online tracking platform, referred to as “Pidrakhuyka”.