Ukrainian Magura V5 USV shot down a Russian Mi-8 helicopter using R-73 missiles configured for surface launch, marking the first aircraft kill with a USV. Months after the first spotting of a Ukraine managed to make the first aircraft kill from a USV air-to-air missiles,
The footage released by the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine shows that an EO/IR system performs targeting. When used on fighter jets, R-73 missiles feature lock-on with helmet-mounted sights, which might mean that the EO/IR was registered as helmet-mounted sights for integration. Otherwise, a lock-on before launch is nearly impossible due to the fixed mounting of the missiles.
This incident will likely impact the presence of Russian helicopters in the Black Sea, as USVs are difficult to detect without high-performance optics or radars.
Ukraine might develop this further with longer-range missiles such as the R-27T and larger USVs carrying more missiles or more potent sensors.
With the idea of fitting USVs for air defence roles becoming combat-proven, it is possible to observe refinements and countermeasures from other countries, for this has been the case with kamikaze USVs and FPVs.
Due to easier production than full-size warships, air defence USVs can help form defensive perimeters in shallow waters against low-flying aircraft and possibly cruise missiles, depending on the armament and sensors.
