Mi-8 and Ka-52: Two Russian Helicopters Destroyed in Oryol Region

Ukraine’s Defense Forces used strike drones to destroy two helicopters — a multipurpose Mi-8 and a Ka-52 attack helicopter.

The Telegram channel Dosye Shpiona reported the strike.

According to the report, the attack took place on the evening of Friday, February 20, 2026. The helicopters were based at Pugachyovka airfield near the village of Pugachyovka in Russia’s Oryol Region.

The site is a small dirt airfield operated by the Oryol Aeroclub of Russia’s Voluntary Society for Assistance to the Army, Aviation and Navy (DOSAAF).

Russian forces are believed to have used the site as an operational base for a composite helicopter unit tasked with intercepting Ukrainian long-range unmanned aerial vehicles.

The destroyed Mi-8 multipurpose helicopter (tail number 53) was assigned to the 319th Separate Helicopter Regiment, based in Chernigovka, Primorsky Krai, Russia.

The Ka-52 Alligator attack helicopter (tail number 18) was assigned to the 16th Army Aviation Brigade, based in Zernograd, Rostov Region.