(SOCHI, KRASNODAR KRAI, RUSSIA) – Satellite imagery has confirmed that three Russian helicopters were hit at Sochi airport during a Ukrainian drone strike, with two destroyed and one damaged, according to a report by military commentator Suchomimus.
The helicopters were identified as a Ka-52, an Mi-28 and an Mi-8. The Ka-52 and Mi-28 were completely destroyed. The Mi-8 sustained damage, with signs of leaked fluid visible and part of the aircraft appearing to have fallen off.
The strike took place on 4th September. The same operation also hit an oil depot and an S-300 air defence system in the area.
The Ka-52 is considered Russia’s best attack helicopter. Russia had approximately 130 in service at the start of the war, with 69 destroyed so far. Losses are now rare because Russia fitted them with long range LMUR missiles which tend to keep them at a safer distance.
The Mi-8 is a widely used utility helicopter. Russia had around 300 in active service according to United24, with 52 destroyed so far plus seven electronic warfare variants.
The Mi-28 is an attack helicopter. Around 20 have been destroyed so far, with approximately 100 in service and more on order.
Separate satellite imagery confirmed the strike on an S-300 air defence system. A before and after comparison showed two S-300 launchers were destroyed. A Pantsir air defence system mounted on a tower was also destroyed. The SAM site was located approximately eight kilometres from the airport.
The operation also damaged a ship that was hit by a marine drone and split in half, along with several oil tanks.
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