Ukrainian Drone Strike Destroys Russian Helicopters in Oryol Region

Ukrainian defense forces destroyed two Russian helicopters – a Ka-52 attack helicopter and a Mi-8 multirole helicopter – at the Pugachevka airfield in Russia’s Oryol region on February 20, 2026. The strike demonstrates Ukraine’s capacity to conduct long-range drone operations targeting Russian aviation assets.

Details of the Strike

According to reporting by UAWire and MSN, the attack was carried out using strike drones. The targeted airfield, a small unpaved airstrip belonging to the Oryol Aeroclub of Russia’s DOSAAF organization, was reportedly being used as an operational base for helicopters tasked with intercepting Ukrainian long-range drones .

Aircraft Destroyed

The destroyed Mi-8 multirole helicopter carried board number 53 and belonged to the 319th Independent Helicopter Regiment, based in Chernigovka in Russia’s Primorsky Krai . The Ka-52 “Alligator” attack helicopter, with board number 18, was assigned to the 16th Army Aviation Brigade based in Zernograd, Rostov region .

Strategic Implications

The strike highlights Ukraine’s continued use of long-range strike drones to target aviation assets positioned away from the front line. Targeting aircraft involved in countering Ukrainian unmanned aerial operations aims to reduce Russia’s ability to intercept drone strikes targeting military and industrial sites . The use of dispersed airfields, like Pugachevka, allows Russian helicopter units to reposition rapidly, but also makes them vulnerable to precision drone attacks .

Recent Ukrainian Drone Activity

This strike follows other recent successful Ukrainian drone operations, including the destruction of a Russian Navy Ka-27 helicopter and strikes against Project 22460 “Okhotnik” border patrol ships and Be-12 anti-submarine amphibious aircraft in Crimea .

Reporting by Oleksiy Astapov .