Ukrainian Drone Maneuvers Under Fire From Russian Helicopter and Strikes Tanker

Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces struck vessels of the Russian shadow fleet near Sochi, despite an attempt by a Russian helicopter to intercept their drone.

The video was released by USF Commander Robert Magyar Brovdi.

The footage shows a helicopter flying after the drone and firing at it. The drone maneuvers, evades the fire, and ultimately hits its target.

The vessel shown in the video bears the name ‘Armada Leader.’ It is an oil tanker flying the Russian flag that is listed on sanctions lists.

The strike took place as part of the USF’s MoLoChka operation—a campaign of attacks on vessels supporting Russian shipping in the Black and Azov Seas.

According to the commander, over the course of ten weeks, the USF struck 285 vessels: 215 in July, 54 in August, and 16 between September 1 and 11.

Brovdi explains that the operation’s goal is to disrupt Russian maritime transport, particularly oil exports and supplies to occupied Crimea.