«It's finally happened and it's only the beginning» — Achilles battalion commander confirms downing of Mi-28 by FPV drone

Yuriy Fedorenko, commander of the Achilles battalion of the 92nd Separate Air Assault Brigade, confirmed the downing of a Russian Mi-28 helicopter by an FPV drone.

He said this on Hromadske Radio.

«This was not possible before, due to technical capabilities. However, nothing stands still, and our scientists sometimes perform miracles. Our military is also constantly improving. I can say that this is just the beginning.«

At the same time, Yuriy Fedorenko emphasizes that every drone has a pilot who guides it. Also, drones do not replace other firepower and reconnaissance equipment.

«Drones are not fighting; people are fighting.«

The Achilles commander also talks about the production of drones and their components and the positive trend away from the Chinese market.

«Drones without Chinese components are already being supplied to Ukraine. This is important because we see China’s policy.

Our European partners have realized that the whole world is on China’s needle, and if there are changes in their policy, it is a direct threat. Therefore, there are already drones that are assembled exclusively from components from European countries.«

It is noted that China is trading with Russia and trying to counteract Ukraine in the supply of finished products and quality components.

As for the production of drones within the state, he states that Ukraine currently produces 30% of drone components. A year ago, the number of Ukrainian drones was 1:7 relative to Russian drones; today, it is 1:2 and 1:1, and sometimes we have an advantage. The Achilles Brigade receives 40% of its drones from the state and 60% from volunteers.

As a reminder, Earlier this summer, Ukraine could have destroyed dozens of Russian aircraft at the Malshevo airbase near Voronezh in Russia. Kyiv had asked the US for permission to strike the base with ATACMS missiles, but Washington refused.