Soviet-era helicopters have been providing close air support for Ukraine's troops as they seek out Russian positions on the front line near Kherson.
Vengeance From Above: Ukraine's Aging Helicopters Punish Russian Positions
- By RFE/RL
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A Ukrainian pilot approaches his helicopter at an undisclosed military air base in the Kherson region on January 8. Ukraine has relied on Soviet-era choppers such as the Mil Mi-8, Mil Mi-17, and the Mil Mi24P attack helicopters, as it battles Russian forces.
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The Soviet-era Mil Mi-8 helicopters were introduced in the 1960s primarily for transport and have had several variants that can carry rockets, guns, and antiaircraft or anti-tank missiles.
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A pilot does a final inspection before taking off for a combat mission. Besides hardware fatigue, artillery and shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles pose a serious threat to Ukraine's aged combat helicopters, which must fly low and fast when conducting air-assault operations.
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A Ukrainian servicemen loads a rocket. Prior to the Russian invasion on February 24, Ukraine had approximately 52 Mi-8's while Russia is believed to have had about 300.
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The United States and its NATO allies have donated helicopters as part of their aid program for Ukraine.
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A Ukrainian pilot searches for enemy positions near the front line in the Kherson region. With a few exceptions, the donated aircraft are often the same Soviet-era models.
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A cockpit view of rockets launched at Russian positions in the Kherson region.
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A Ukrainian soldier waves to a combat helicopter as it returns from a mission.
