Another video has emerged showing a Ukrainian FPV drone engaging a flying Russian helicopter in the Kursk region. At this time there is no aftermath footage to confirm the hit was successful, but Ukrainian sources are claiming the helicopter threat was neutralized.

Although previous cross border incursions by Ukrainian forces were considered reckless suicide missions, those that died in them didn't do so in vain. Ukraine is using lessons learned from those previous assaults and putting them to work in Kursk, thereby achieving greater success.

Mainly, anti air assets were brought to protect the ground troops. The last incursion was essentially picked apart from afar by Ka-52 Alligator attack helicopters firing anti tank guided missiles. The Ukrainians have already downed one Mi-28 and have now made this strike of unrealized success against what appears to be an Mi-8 modified for a combat role.

It's not clear what the mission objectives are for Ukraine's Kursk operation, but it is already achieving effects in the form of forcing Russian units to flex out of Ukraine and back into Russia to protect home soil. The operation also raises doubts within the Russian civilian population as to the ability of the government to protect them.

About the Author

Will Killmore

Will Killmore is a US Army combat infantry veteran and Purple Heart recipient. He has deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan with the 172nd Stryker Brigade and 173rd Airborne Brigade. Following his time in service, he successfully pursued a certificate of journalism and has been a blogger for Funker530 since 2014. Follow Will’s bad takes on Twitter