while waiting for newer models, Ukrainian forces fight with old helicopters

In the middle of the fields, on a tiny airfield somewhere in Ukraine, are five combat helicopters, MI8s, perfectly aligned. They await their missions. The soldiers load the ammunition, long rockets. Their tradition is to write some insults for Russians on it. “If the projectile does not explode, they will be able to read the message”, comments a soldier. In another aircraft, the crew prepares to fly over the front line.

Obsolete helicopters

Helicopters fly very low to avoid detection, sometimes even a meter above the ground. Then they fire their shots. Sixteen rockets can fire at a time, but they must stay within 6 km of the target. The soldiers link two to three flights a day. Helicopters fire at Russian infantry and light vehicles. The aircraft are of Soviet construction, outdated according to the soldiers. “Between this one, which is 40 years old, and the new one, which do you prefer? The new one, of course”says a soldier.