Russia reports attempted helicopter hijacking

11 November, 2024 Mi-8MTPR-1 electronic warfare helicopter of the Russian Aerospace Force, June 2022. Photo: Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation Russian Special Services announced the disruption of a Ukrainian operation to recruit a Russian pilot and the hijacking of a Mi-8MTPR-1 helicopter.

The Russian media reported on this. The Federal Security Service reported an attempt by specialists of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU) to hijack an Mi-8MTPR-1 electronic warfare helicopter and drive it to the territory controlled by Ukraine. According to the plan, the recruited pilot was supposed to cross the line of contact on the day of the combat mission by going through a designated "corridor".

He was to poison the other crew members in advance. "In a Telegram, a certain Serhiy, who turned out to be a representative of the Ukrainian Special Services, contacted me and offered cooperation. On a given day, I had to hijack a helicopter, poisoning my comrades in advance.

Before the flight, my family was supposed to go abroad, then to Chisinau, and from there they would be picked up by cars," the FSB published the pilot's story. In their statement, FSB representatives said that during the war game, Russian counterintelligence officers had revealed the air defense positions and they had been attacked.

However, this contradicts the previously announced plans to launch an operation, which was supposed to take place only after Ukrainian operatives had evacuated the pilot's family. The Mi-8MTPR-1 is a specialized version of the helicopter equipped with the Rychag-AV electronic warfare system. It is designed to suppress enemy radar.

Russian troops are actively using these aircraft to shield their aircraft from Ukrainian anti-aircraft systems: the electronic warfare station creates interference that significantly reduces the radar range. For example, in May of last year, an entire aviation group was destroyed, which was carrying out a bombing mission in Ukraine. The group included a Su-34M bomber, a Su-35 cover fighter, and two Mi-8MTPR-1 helicopters.

Hijacking of the Mi-8AMTSh

Previously, during Operation Synytsia, Ukrainian reconnaissance men hijacked a Russian Mi-8AMTSh multi-purpose helicopter (RF-04428) in a similar fashion.

The recruited crew commander accepted the offer of the DIU representatives and successfully flew to the territory of Ukraine. Upon arrival, other crew members were eliminated by DIU operatives.

A captured Russian Mi-8AMTSh helicopter. Photo credits: Defense Intelligence of Ukraine

Last fall this aircraft was adopted by the Ukrainian Defense Forces.

It is possible that it is used as part of the 35th Mixed Aviation Squadron, which is operationally subordinated to the SOF and works in the interests of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine.