Interceptor Drones Integrated Onto Ukrainian Mi-8 Helicopter

Interceptor drones have been integrated onto a Ukrainian Mi-8 helicopter to shoot down Russian UAVs.

Footage of the deployment was released as part of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi’s Independence Day address.

The footage shows an interceptor being launched from a helicopter-mounted hardpoint. The launchers themselves are made from metal guide rails.

The drone is likely controlled either from the Mi-8’s cockpit or remotely via Starlink.

На український гелікоптер Ми-8 інтегрували дрони-перехоплювачі для збиття російських безпілотників.

Джерело: Офіс Президента pic.twitter.com/fZgeSnDOSH

— Владислав (@Vladislav110528) August 24, 2026

At least three launchers have been integrated on each side of the helicopter, allowing it to carry six interceptors. It is also likely equipped with an optical station for visually detecting aerial targets.

As of May, the Ukrainian JEDI Shahed Hunter based on a civilian An-28 transport aircraft had already destroyed 213 enemy UAVs.

The aircraft has at least three hardpoints under each wing, allowing it to carry up to six interceptors at once.