Russian pilot hands over Mi-8 helicopter with spare parts for fighter jets to Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence

As a result of a special operation, the Defence Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine drew a Mi-8AMTSh helicopter with its crew to the territory of Ukraine.

The Ukrainian Pravda reported on this.

The Defence Intelligence’s special operation lasted over six months, resulting in the capture of the helicopter with the crew, and the equipment it was carrying.

The Mi-8AMTSh (62 Red – aircraft number) helicopter is part of the 2nd helicopter squadron of the 337th Separate Helicopter Regiment (military unit 12739) based at the Tolmachevo airport.

There were two crew members in the helicopter with the pilot, and they were eliminated by the Defence Intelligence. The pilot himself is currently in Ukraine with his family, who were moved out of Russia in advance.

During the search, Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence officers found spare parts for fighter jets in the cargo compartment.

As a result of this special operation, the helicopter, along with aircraft parts and equipment, remained in Ukraine.

In addition, a DMR-400T device was found, which is designed to work with generators and DC starter generators with a voltage of 28.5V and a capacity of up to 12 kW.

This is not the first time that Russian pilots have been drawn to Ukraine along with their equipment.

For example, in the spring of 2023, an unsuccessful attempt to lure out a Russian pilot of a Su-24/34 bomber in the summer of 2022 was reported.

Mi-8AMTSh

The Mi-8AMTSh helicopter was developed in the early 1990s and is designed for transport and assault operations.

The helicopter received a Shturm-V guided weapon system, a UPK-23-250 gun container, eight 9М120s, and 9М114 guided anti-tank missiles.

Helicopters of this modification received enhanced armor. It covered the bottom and front of the pilot cabin. An additional armor plate is located between the cabin and the cargo compartment. The armor plate is also installed​​ in the cargo compartment under the gunner`s seat.

The export version of the helicopter received the designation Mi-171Sh. Besides, Russia cannot sell helicopters due to the war with Ukraine.