Mi-8

Military expert Oleh Zhdanov considers the Mi-8 indispensable for Ukrainian aviation, despite its outdated design.

Two modernized Mi-8MT helicopters, after a major overhaul, may return to service without vital combat equipment, as the equipment installed by the company was dismantled and seized. Aviation expert Bohdan Dolintse explains the regulatory aspects and consequences for combat effectiveness.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine partially confirmed the successful fire damage to the Kirovskoe airfield in occupied Crimea on 28. 06.2025. The Pantsir S1 anti-aircraft missile-gun system and enemy Mi-8, Mi-26, Mi-28 helicopters were destroyed. 104 combat engagements occurred at the front during the day.

The SBU attacked the "Kirovskoye" airfield in Crimea, destroying Mi-8, Mi-26, Mi-28 helicopters and the Pantsir-S1 point air defense system. At night, there was a secondary detonation at the facility.

After exhausting its service life, aviation equipment undergoes technical inspection and overhaul for restoration. The claim procedure involves the elimination of defects and can be initiated by various parties, which emphasizes the importance of maintaining consistency and the participation of the original contractor to preserve data and avoid risks.

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.

The company "MS AVIA-GRADE" was not allowed to dismantle the weapon systems it had previously installed on two Mi-8MT helicopters, which led to the loss of warranty obligations. The equipment was dismantled without the knowledge of the installing company, and the SBU seized the weapons, as a result of which the helicopters will return to military units inoperable.

Outdated certification procedures and the lack of legal support for changes in documentation are hindering the repair of aviation equipment in Ukraine. This poses a threat to the functioning of Soviet-era aircraft, particularly Mi-8 helicopters, which are critically important for Ukraine.

In army aviation explained why Ukraine should modernize Soviet equipment.

Specialists discussed the critical problem of the Ukrainian aviation industry's dependence on Soviet components. Spare parts stocks are being depleted, and domestic manufacturers require state support for modernization.

Ukrainian aviation enterprises are gradually abandoning Soviet GOSTs in favor of national DSTUs and NATO standards. Full integration is expected by 2030.

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.

Russia is actively hindering the restoration of Ukraine's aviation, buying up parts and spreading disinformation about its danger. Experts call for urgent measures to save the industry.

The head of the legal committee of the Aerospace Association of Ukraine emphasizes the risk of losing an industry that was one of the flagships.

Ukrainian aviation is on the verge of survival due to the loss of access to Soviet-era components. Experts are calling for the import of such parts from third countries to be allowed.

A Mi-8 helicopter crashed in the Oryol region of Russia, killing two crew members. According to preliminary information, this happened due to engine failure.

"H3Operations" and "MC Aviagrade" companies announced a planned information operation against them. The goal is to slow down the development of the aviation industry and undermine confidence in Ukrainian manufacturers.

GUR presented the Magura series of naval drones for the first time, which are capable of destroying enemy ships and aircraft. With the help of drones, 15 targets were destroyed, including 2 Mi-8 helicopters and 2 Su-30 aircraft.

The editorial office of the UNN News Agency announces the retraction of a previously published material due to the fact that the information presented therein was not confirmed. We express our sincere apologies to our readers for the dissemination of inaccurate information. In order to prevent further misleading of the audience, the specified material has been removed. The editorial office emphasizes that in its activities, it strictly adheres to professional standards of journalism and conducts proper verification of information before its publication. At the same time, the editorial office is forced to state that receiving misleading information simultaneously from several independent sources does not exclude the possibility of its erroneous verification. The editorial office remains committed to the principles of accuracy, objectivity, and responsibility to its audience.

Ukrainian military destroyed a Russian Su-30 with a Magura naval drone for the first time in the world. The cost of the aircraft is about 50 million dollars, the operation was carried out near Novorossiysk.

A Su-25 military plane crashed in the Primorsky Krai of the Russian Federation during a training flight. The pilot managed to eject. The plane crashed in a deserted area.

In a day, Ukrainian soldiers eliminated 1280 Russians, and also destroyed 5 MLRS and over 80 artillery systems. The Defense Forces also destroyed 4 enemy helicopters in the Belgorod region.

The Special Operations Forces of Ukraine, in cooperation with the HUR, RVіA, destroyed two Ka-52s and two Mi-8s in the enemy's rear, in the Belgorod region. The helicopters were destroyed by missile strikes.

The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine inflicted devastating strikes on enemy radar stations, air defense systems, ships, and a Mi-8 helicopter in Crimea. The operation was successful in dismantling the occupiers' military equipment.

In the Leningrad region of Russia, a Mi-8 military helicopter crashed during a training flight. All crew members died. The helicopter was in service with the Russian Aerospace Forces.

In Toretsk, the occupiers tried to install Russian flags for propaganda videos, but all attempts were thwarted by Ukrainian drones. An enemy Su-25 was also shot down near the city.

An anti-aircraft missile unit of the 28th Brigade and the 57th Separate Tank Brigade shot down a Russian Su-25 with an Igla MANPADS near Toretsk. An enemy Mi-8 that had arrived to evacuate the pilot was attacked by Ukrainian drones and forced to retreat.

The Russian Black Sea Fleet has used an Orion drone for the first time to destroy a Ukrainian maritime drone. ISW reports that this could change the balance of power in the Black Sea.

The occupiers have reduced the use of helicopters in the Black Sea after several units were destroyed by Magura V5 maritime drones. Currently, Russia relies on aviation and drones to patrol the waters.