Russian Mi-28 Attack Helicopter Gets New Anti‑Drone EW System Amid Ukrainian Drone Hits

Russia has begun fitting its Mil Mi‑28NM "Night Hunter" attack helicopters with a new electronic‑warfare (EW) suite designed to counter Ukrainian first‑person‑view (FPV) drones. The system, identified by Cyrillic markings СВЧ, uses microwave sensors covering 300 MHz to 300 GHz, detects drone control signals at ranges of 4–7 km, and can jam the 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz bands while suppressing satellite navigation. Analysts estimate the counter‑measure could cut drone attack effectiveness by 60‑75 %.

In a separate incident, a Ukrainian FPV drone successfully struck a Russian Mi‑28 helicopter during its approach to land near Belgorod, hitting the rear fuselage. Video shows the crew unaware of the threat; the extent of damage and crew fate were not disclosed. The episode highlights the vulnerability that the new EW system seeks to address.

Both developments underscore the escalating drone‑vs‑helicopter confrontation in the Russia‑Ukraine conflict.