Russian Copters Blown Up By Ukraine HIMARS At Risk Due To Disinformation

The big story is that fast acting Ukrainian Special Operators and Defense Intelligence were able to identify vulnerable Russian helicopters and strike them before they could be quickly moved - as is usual protocol - because the Russians believed disinformation that Ukraine's HIMARS had been shut down. 

But the bigger story is that the disinformation came from Russia's own sources, meaning that Russian commanders became complacent due to their own propaganda and, as a result, their helicopters got blown up. JL

Espreso Global reports

Ukrainian Special Operations forces destroyed two KA-52 attack helicopters and two Mi-8 transport helicopters at a forward staging base in Russian Belgorod. Analysts suggest Russian commanders may have believed their own propaganda claiming Ukraine’s HIMARS had been "shut down." Given the short turnaround time helicopters typically spend at staging sites, the strike underscores Ukraine’s ability to gather precise intelligence and act swiftly. The strike was carried out using HIMARS with M30A2 GMLRS rockets, known for their tungsten-based warheads and airburst capability. Ukraine is already manufacturing its own versions of the American HIMARS system with long range missiles.

Ukrainian Special Operations Forces, in coordination with Defense Intelligence (HUR) and the Armed Forces, successfully destroyed two Russian Ka-52 attack helicopters and two Mi-8 transport helicopters at a forward staging site in Russia’s Belgorod region

According to Defense Express, the precision strike was carried out using HIMARS with M30A2 GMLRS rockets, known for their tungsten-based warheads and airburst capability, making them highly effective against concentrated targets. A reconnaissance UAV provided real-time targeting, capturing an impressive video of the strike.

 

This attack marks a rare use of GMLRS against helicopters. Until now, Ukraine primarily relied on ATACMS for airfield strikes or targeted helicopters during landing near the front lines. OSINT analysts geolocated the attack to a field near Ivnya, approximately 55 km from the frontline.

A key question remains: why did Russia risk stationing helicopters within HIMARS range? Defense Express analysts suggest that Russian commanders may have believed their own propaganda claiming Ukraine’s HIMARS had been "shut down." Given the short turnaround time helicopters typically spend at staging sites, the strike underscores Ukraine’s ability to gather precise intelligence and act swiftly.

 

Ukraine is already manufacturing its own versions of the American HIMARS system, along with long-range missiles capable of striking targets over 600 kilometers away.

• Ukrainian Special Operations Forces, in cooperation with the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, Rocket Forces and Artillery, destroyed two Russian Ka-52 and two Mi-8 helicopters in the Belgorod region of Russia.