Ukrainian forces destroyed a Russian Ka-52 “Alligator” attack helicopter with an FPV drone on the Pokrovsk axis in Ukraine’s Donetsk region. They also killed the crew after it attempted to escape following an emergency landing.
Commander of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces Robert Brovdi (call sign “Madyar”) and the force’s press service reported the strike.
Details
Drone operators from the “Baltyka” crew of the 1st Battalion “Predators of the Heights” of the 59th Separate Assault Brigade carried out the attack near the village of Nadiivka. They used a fiber-optic FPV drone to hit the target.
After the strike, the Ka-52 made an emergency landing, and its crew tried to flee. Operators from the 1st Battalion of the 414th Separate Brigade “Madyar’s Birds” tracked them down and eliminated them.
Military officials say this marks the second enemy helicopter destroyed by fighters from the 59th Brigade. In September 2025, they downed a Mi-8 multipurpose helicopter.
Context
The Ka-52 “Alligator” is a modern Russian reconnaissance and attack helicopter designed to strike armored vehicles, troops, and aerial targets. It serves as a key asset of Russia’s army aviation, with an estimated cost of around $16 million.
Ukraine’s expanding use of FPV drones has significantly shifted battlefield dynamics in recent months. These systems allow forces to destroy high-value and complex targets, including aircraft, at relatively low cost.
Earlier, The Ukrainian Review reported that Ukraine deployed military specialists to Persian Gulf countries to help counter aerial threats. Ukrainian experts will share their experience in intercepting Iranian drones and cruise missiles following official requests from the United States and regional partners.
