Russia attacked with cluster bombs and Kh-38, 2 Ukrainian helicopters were destroyed

Two helicopters destroyed, one damaged

The Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement on March 13 that the planes were detected by Russian air reconnaissance systems while they were at a secret airfield near the front line, which Kiev forces also use to refuel and rearm their helicopters.

The Russian Defense Ministry also released footage of the attack on the helicopters, which began with a cluster bomb attack launched from a 300mm Tornado-S multiple rocket launcher. Despite the damage, one helicopter managed to take off. The two remaining on the ground were then hit by precision-guided missiles, most likely Kh-38s launched from Su-34 fighter-bombers.

Kiev forces operate more than 70 Soviet-made Mi-8s, two of which were given to Ukraine by Lithuania after Russia began its special military operation more than two years ago. During the same period, about 28 Russian-made Mi-17s were also provided to Ukraine by the United States, Latvia and Slovakia.

In addition to the helicopters lost in recent days, a Ukrainian Air Force MiG-29 also crashed near the city of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region last week. At the time, some sources said that the Ukrainian MiG-29 was shot down by a Russian fighter, possibly a Su-35.

Russian missiles attack suicide drone assembly line

On March 13, the assembly line of Ukrainian suicide drones was destroyed by Russia in the port of Odessa. According to AVP, the Russian Aerospace Forces attacked and destroyed the assembly line of Magura-V5 and Sea Baby suicide drones with Kh-59MK2 cruise missiles.

The Kh-59MK2 missile is considered one of the most difficult weapons to detect. Its main advantage is that the missile will approach the target at the lowest possible altitude, no more than 10 meters above sea level. This helps them avoid detection by air defense missile systems.

In addition, the unique design of the Kh-59MK2 missile with a square cross-section helps it limit the visibility of radar systems and can be conveniently placed in the internal compartment of aircraft, including the fifth-generation fighter Su-57.

HOA AN (According to SF, AVP)