In a dramatic display of aerial skill, a Ukrainian helicopter crew successfully destroyed a Russian Shahed-136, also known as the Geran-2, using a side-mounted M134 Minigun. The engagement took place at an altitude of approximately 3,000 feet, marking another innovation in Ukraine’s ongoing defense against waves of Iranian-made kamikaze drones.

The Shahed-136/Geran-2 has been a persistent threat to Ukrainian forces since the start of the war in 2022, providing Russia with a low-cost method to strike strategic targets. In response, Ukraine has adapted quickly, mounting high-speed M134 miniguns on helicopters to counter these aerial attacks with precision.

Ukrainian crews have been refining these tactics since late 2022, forming specialized drone-hunting teams and even offering incentives for successful drone interceptions. This latest success highlights not only the skill of Ukrainian pilots but also the growing sophistication of their air defense measures.

Russia continues to deploy waves of these inexpensive but deadly drones, but Ukraine’s adaptive strategies, supported by U.S. assistance and closely monitored by NATO allies, are improving the country’s ability to neutralize threats before they can reach their targets.

The significance of this victory extends beyond a single kill. In a conflict that has already claimed over 500,000 military lives and displaced more than 10 million civilians, every successful defense against drones preserves lives and bolsters morale, while showcasing Ukraine’s innovation and determination in the air.