With almost nine months since the beginning of the conflicts, the war between Russia and Ukraine stands out for the amount of videos on social networks showing in detail the progress of military operations.
Yesterday (31/10), the Ukrainian defense ministry, which is very active on social media, released a video in which a Soviet-era Mil MI-18 helicopter is shot down by a MANPADS system operated by Ukraine while flying over the Donetsk region. The video, which was created by the 54th Mechanized Brigade, does not give details of the date of the incident.
Check out the moment of the attack:
Unlike Ukraine, the Russian government has been more discreet in official publications of its actions against Ukrainians, often denying or omitting alleged attacks by Ukraine, however, some Telegram or Twitter channels are the main source of information to obtain Russian information.
Meet the Mil Mi-8 Hip
With over 17.000 units manufactured, the Mi-8 and Mi-17 helicopters are the most manufactured in history. Mainly used for troop transport, light vehicles and logistics, the Mi-8 is widely employed by dozens of countries.
Depending on the version, the Mi-8 can carry bombs, rockets and even anti-tank missiles. More modern variants received glass cockpit, additional armor and self-protection systems.
The Mi-8 has been widely used in the Russian invasion of the neighboring country, mainly in airborne assault actions such as the one carried out at the Gostomel airport, where was the An-225. Despite having a larger number of aircraft and troops, Russia has already lost dozens of units of this model.
