Russia has released video footage showing a Mi-28NM attack helicopter launching a cruise missile during what the Russian Defence Ministry says was a combat mission in the war in Ukraine.
In the footage, the missile is launched from beneath the helicopter’s left wing. When the aircraft returns from the mission, a second, unused missile can be seen under its right wing.
Russia has not disclosed when or where the footage was recorded or what target was struck.
According to The War Zone, the weapon is most likely either an S8000 Banderol or a Dan-T cruise missile. Both are relatively low-cost long-range weapons developed by Russia.
Ukrainian military intelligence says the Banderol has a range of up to 500 kilometres and carries a warhead weighing around 50 kilograms. The missile travels at approximately 500 kilometres per hour and is powered by a small jet engine.
The Dan-T is believed to have a similar range but carries a considerably heavier warhead. Ukrainian sources have said Russia plans to acquire tens of thousands of Dan-T missiles.
Helicopter launch platform is unusual
Using an attack helicopter as a cruise missile launch platform is unusual because helicopters are particularly vulnerable to enemy air defences.
The long range of the missiles could, however, allow Russian helicopters to launch them from far away from their targets — potentially even without leaving Russian airspace.
The new capability could reduce Russia’s need to send expensive combat aircraft closer to Ukrainian air defences.
At the same time, it would give Russia additional platforms for long-range strikes, potentially making Ukraine’s air-defence task more difficult.
Russia has been seeking cheaper long-range weapons that can be produced and used in large numbers. Such systems could reduce its reliance on significantly more expensive cruise and ballistic missiles.