Mi-24
In 1999, Ukraine transferred 11 strategic bombers and 575 Kh-55 missiles to Russia in exchange for writing off its gas debt. The remaining aircraft were dismantled.
“MS AVIA-GRADE” noted that modernizing aviation equipment makes it possible to continue operating time-tested helicopters and avoid significant costs associated with purchasing new aircraft.
NATO Secretary General Rutte condemned the violation of Polish airspace by a Russian missile. The Alliance activated air defense and ground defense assets, and the incident is under investigation.
In early July 2026, the Russian "African Corps" fled during a battle, leaving the forces of the Malian junta behind. The rebels eliminated at least 60 Malian soldiers and took 30 prisoners.
Rebels in Mali shot down a military helicopter, likely belonging to the Russian 'African Corps'. They also intensified their offensive on the strategic town of Anefis, claiming to have established control, which the Malian army denies.
The crew of the Mi-24 helicopter died during a combat mission. All crew members were experienced officers and defenders of Ukraine.
The 12th separate army aviation brigade reported the death of the Mi-24 helicopter crew. Fundraising has been opened to help the four families of the deceased pilots.
Poland recorded 19 Russian drones that violated its airspace, shooting down three of them. The country activated Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty for consultations with allies.
Satellite images confirmed the damage to a Russian border base in the Armiansk area of Crimea, where a barracks was completely destroyed. The strike could have been carried out by the new long-range "Flamingo" missiles, which Ukraine has begun mass-producing.
On August 30, Ukrainian drones destroyed two Mi-8 and Mi-24 helicopters at the airfield in Simferopol. Russian sources recorded UAV movement around 06:30 AM.
Ukrainian army aviation successfully uses Soviet equipment, but the industry risks losing the ability to maintain it. Without state support, production potential and maintenance of military equipment are under threat.
The Ukrainian aviation industry retains potential and personnel despite the war, but requires state support. The inclusion of aircraft manufacturing enterprises in Defence City is key for further development.
The full-scale war has placed Ukrainian businesses under extraordinary pressure. For the aviation sector, this has meant more than the loss of access to infrastructure — it has brought a complete shutdown of the domestic market, forced relocation, adaptation to new realities, and the challenge of maintaining world-class standards on the international stage.
Ukrainian aviation today is fighting not only in the air but also for its existence as an industry.
A Mi-8 helicopter belonging to "Vzlet" airline disappeared during a flight from Okhotsk to Magadan. There were three crew members and two technicians on board. An An-26 aircraft and another Mi-8 helicopter have been deployed for the search.
On July 12, a Mi-24 helicopter of the Belarusian Air Defense destroyed a Russian attack UAV "Gerbera" that was heading to Ukraine. The drone's debris fell on the territory of the Gomel region.
Military expert Oleh Zhdanov considers the Mi-8 indispensable for Ukrainian aviation, despite its outdated design.
Mi helicopters form the basis of Ukraine's army aviation, performing critical combat, logistics and rescue missions in wartime, including the evacuation of the wounded from Mariupol. The effectiveness of their use, despite their age and the complexity of modernization, depends on well-thought-out logistics, repair and crew training.
A number of EU countries still use Soviet helicopters and airplanes, which are important for Ukraine in the war. They are needed for the evacuation of the wounded and strikes against the enemy, but their support is becoming more difficult.
On the night of June 6, Ukrainian drones attacked an airport in Bryansk, resulting in the burning of a Mi-8 helicopter and damage to a Mi-35. Additionally, the administrative building and the rescue service building were damaged.