AI is no longer confined to futuristic movies or research labs. It’s actively shaping modern warfare, moving rapidly from theoretical concepts to deployed capabilities on the battlefield. Across the globe, militaries are integrating and deploying autonomous and AI-enhanced systems that fundamentally redefine how operations are planned and executed. These technologies range from unmanned vehicles operating with increasing independence to complex systems aiding human decision-making and perception. Here’s a look at five groundbreaking AI technologies already in service or entering operational use, showcasing tangible examples of how science fiction is quickly becoming military reality.

Key AI Technologies Deployed in Modern Military Operations

1. AI in Autonomous Drone Systems & Swarms

What’s happening

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have become ubiquitous in modern conflict, but AI is pushing their capabilities further towards autonomy and coordinated action. While long-range strikes deep into enemy territory are often conducted by larger, specifically designed strike drones, AI is playing a role in enhancing their navigation, target recognition, and electronic counter-countermeasures. Simultaneously, smaller, low-cost FPV (First-Person View) drones are being used in massive numbers on the front lines.

Although mass coordination of hundreds of FPVs via complex AI swarming algorithms is still largely experimental, AI is being applied to individual FPVs or small groups for tasks like autonomous target tracking, pathfinding in GPS-denied environments, or object identification (e.g., distinguishing between different types of vehicles or personnel), making them more effective even with limited human oversight during the final attack phase. Concepts like AI-guided “loyal wingman” drones (like the XQ-58A mentioned later) also represent a form of airborne swarm where AI facilitates coordination between manned and unmanned aircraft. ([news.com.au][1], [timesofindia.indiatimes.com][timesofindia.indiatimes.com_spiderweb])

Why it matters

• AI enhances the effectiveness and reduces the cognitive load on operators, allowing drones to perform missions more efficiently and with greater precision, especially in complex or contested areas.
• The potential for AI-coordinated swarms (even if currently limited in scale and autonomy) offers the ability to overwhelm defenses with speed, scale, and affordability, posing a significant challenge to traditional air defense systems.
• This technology represents a paradigm shift, moving from remotely piloted vehicles to semi-autonomous or even potentially fully autonomous combat drones capable of making certain operational decisions independently (within pre-defined parameters).

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2. AI-Powered Counter-Drone Systems & Automated Air Defense

What’s happening

The proliferation of inexpensive and sophisticated drones demands equally rapid and cost-effective defenses. Militaries are deploying automated counter-drone systems that heavily rely on AI. These systems typically involve sensors (radar, cameras, acoustic sensors) linked to AI algorithms that detect, track, identify, and classify potential drone threats in real-time, distinguishing them from birds or other non-threats. Once identified, AI can cue a response mechanism, which could range from electronic jamming to physically neutralizing the drone. Examples include static or mobile turrets equipped with autocannons or other effectors.

While specific performance statistics for systems like Ukraine’s “Sky Sentinel” at scale in combat are hard to verify publicly, the concept of an automated turret using AI for detection and targeting is a verifiable trend being actively developed and tested. The goal is to provide a faster, cheaper alternative to traditional missile-based air defense against drone swarms, potentially achieving a lower cost per engagement.

Why it matters

• AI-powered counter-drone systems enable a much faster reaction time than human-operated systems, crucial for intercepting fast-moving or swarming threats.
• They offer a potentially cost-effective defense against the growing threat of cheap, mass-produced drones, addressing the economic imbalance of using expensive missiles against low-cost targets.
• These systems are a tangible example of AI being deployed for autonomous air defense, capable of operating with minimal human intervention once activated in a defined area.

3. AI Integration in Robotic Ground Platforms & Combat Dogs

What’s happening

Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) and more agile quadruped robots (“robot dogs”) are increasingly integrating AI for navigation, situational awareness, and task execution in environments too dangerous or inaccessible for humans. While the widespread deployment of robot dogs with lethal weapons in active combat remains limited and ethically debated, prototypes and demonstrations showcasing quadrupeds equipped with weapon mounts (rifles, rocket launchers) have been conducted by forces like the US military in urban drill scenarios, demonstrating the technical capability.

In combat zones like Ukraine, quadruped robots are reportedly being used primarily for less controversial roles such as reconnaissance, carrying supplies, mapping dangerous areas, and potentially acting as mobile sensor platforms or decoys in trenches and urban ruins. AI assists these robots with tasks like autonomous navigation through complex terrain, obstacle avoidance, and processing sensor data to identify objects or people.

Why it matters

• Robotic ground platforms extend military presence into high-risk environments (urban combat, minefields, trenches) without risking human lives.
• AI enables these robots to operate semi-autonomously, navigating and performing tasks with less reliance on constant remote control, increasing their effectiveness and reducing operator workload.
• Their potential roles range from mobile sentries and advanced scouts to logistical support in difficult terrain, offering a versatile, AI-enhanced addition to ground forces.

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4. Autonomous Navigation & Operation in UGVs & UAVs

What’s happening

Beyond simple remote control, AI is enabling military vehicles to navigate and operate more autonomously. Examples include Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) like Estonia’s Milrem Type-X robotic combat vehicle, which incorporates AI for autonomous navigation in various terrains and can be integrated with heavy weapons systems up to 50mm cannons, operating as an uncrewed fire support platform. Similarly, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are using AI for autonomous flight, route planning, and navigating in environments where GPS signals are jammed or unavailable.

Companies like Shield AI are developing UAVs, such as the MQ-35 V-BAT, designed to operate autonomously in complex urban areas or GPS-denied maritime environments by using AI for simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) and object recognition. While specific operational details by US forces in sensitive areas like the Black Sea may not be widely publicized, the capability for autonomous navigation in contested electronic environments is a key development being pursued and tested.

Why it matters

• Autonomous navigation allows UGVs and UAVs to operate more independently, reducing the need for constant human piloting or driving, freeing up personnel for other tasks.
• AI enables operations in GPS-denied or electronically contested environments, crucial for maintaining effectiveness against sophisticated adversaries attempting to disrupt communications and navigation signals.
• Autonomous capabilities allow uncrewed vehicles to perform complex tasks, like convoy following, perimeter patrol, or detailed area mapping, with greater efficiency and endurance.

5. AI-Enhanced Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR) & Communications

What’s happening

AI is fundamentally transforming the analysis of military data and the robustness of communication networks. The sheer volume of data from modern sensors (satellites, drones, ground sensors) is overwhelming for human analysts. AI is being deployed to automatically process, filter, and identify patterns in this data – spotting targets in satellite imagery, detecting anomalies in electronic signals, or predicting potential enemy movements based on aggregated information. The Pentagon, for instance, has allocated significant budgets towards AI-driven ISR and related domains like cyber defense and logistics optimization.

Advanced large language models and AI analysis tools are being developed and used by military and intelligence agencies for rapid analysis of text-based intelligence. Furthermore, tactical communication networks are leveraging AI for real-time data fusion, dynamic routing to maintain connectivity in contested environments (“self-healing”), and enhancing cybersecurity by detecting and responding to threats automatically.

Why it matters

• AI-enhanced ISR dramatically speeds up the process of turning raw data into actionable intelligence, providing commanders with faster and more comprehensive battlefield awareness.
• AI in communications ensures networks remain resilient and secure even under electronic attack or in complex operational environments.
• These AI applications act as a critical backbone, improving decision-making across all levels of command, from tactical operations on the ground to strategic planning, making military forces more informed and agile.

Summary Table: AI in Combat Roles

FAQ

Q: Are military AI systems truly autonomous?
A: As of 2025, most deployed military AI systems are highly autonomous but typically remain under human supervision (“human-on-the-loop” or “human-in-the-loop”). They can perform complex tasks independently but require human authorization for lethal actions or operate within strict, pre-defined parameters established by human commanders.

Q: What are the ethical concerns around AI in the military?
A: Major concerns include the potential for autonomous lethal weapons (LAWS) operating without human intervention, questions of accountability when AI systems make errors, the risk of algorithmic bias leading to unintended consequences, and the potential for an accelerated pace of conflict. International debates and efforts to establish regulatory frameworks are ongoing.

Q: How do AI systems distinguish between military targets and civilians?
A: AI systems designed for targeting rely on sophisticated computer vision and pattern recognition algorithms trained on vast datasets to identify and classify objects. However, ensuring 100% accuracy in complex or crowded environments is a major technical and ethical challenge. Robust rules of engagement and human oversight are critical safeguards.

Q: Is AI primarily used in expensive, advanced military equipment?
A: While AI is integrated into high-tech platforms, it’s increasingly being applied to low-cost systems like FPV drones and automated counter-drone turrets. AI is becoming a tool to make even inexpensive hardware more effective, democratizing access to advanced military capabilities.

Why It Matters Now 

By 2025, AI in military use is not a distant concept – it’s tactical and operational, demonstrably deployed in real conflict zones and integrated into defense planning worldwide. From enhancing the effectiveness of drone strikes and enabling autonomous air defenses to improving intelligence analysis and operating robotic ground platforms, AI is rapidly reshaping modern combat roles, logistics networks, and the speed and accuracy of battlefield decisions. The technologies discussed here represent just the tip of the iceberg. Expect these AI-powered systems to become even more sophisticated, autonomous, and integrated across land, sea, air, cyber, and space domains in the coming years, presenting both significant opportunities and complex challenges for global security.

Looking for the best VPN in 2025? Whether you’re concerned about online privacy, want to stream geo-blocked content, or simply protect your browsing on public Wi-Fi — a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is no longer optional. Based on recent tests, user reviews, and speed benchmarks, here are the top 9 VPNs you can trust in 2025.

• Note on Pricing: “Price/mo (avg)” reflects the average monthly cost when subscribing to the longest available plan (e.g., 2-year). Monthly plans are typically significantly more expensive. Check the official websites for the most current pricing and plan options.
• Note on Speed Score: Speed scores are based on our recent internal benchmark tests using recommended protocols (primarily WireGuard/NordLynx where available) across various server locations.
• Note on Netflix Access: Tested for access to the US Netflix library as of June 2025. Availability can change frequently depending on the streaming service’s detection methods.

Detailed Reviews

NordVPN – Best All-Around VPN in 2025

NordVPN continues to dominate in speed, privacy, and security, standing out as a top performer for a wide range of uses. It boasts one of the largest server networks globally, with over 5,900 servers across 60 countries, providing ample connection options. Its proprietary NordLynx protocol, built around WireGuard, delivers consistently blazing speeds in recent tests, making it ideal for streaming, gaming, and large downloads without significant buffering.

For enhanced security, NordVPN offers features like Double VPN, which routes your traffic through two servers, and Onion over VPN, integrating with the Tor network. Their robust threat protection suite helps block malware, trackers, and malicious websites. NordVPN operates under the privacy-friendly jurisdiction of Panama and their strict no-logs policy has been repeatedly verified by independent third-party audits, ensuring your online activity isn’t recorded. They allow up to 6 simultaneous connections and offer intuitive apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and more. NordVPN is a versatile and highly secure option for nearly any online activity.

ExpressVPN – Best VPN for Streaming in 2025

ExpressVPN is consistently lauded as one of the most reliable VPNs for unblocking geo-restricted content, making it the top choice for accessing global libraries on services like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and many others. Its network spans 105 countries with thousands of servers, providing extensive global reach. A key privacy feature is their TrustedServer technology, which means all servers run on RAM and wipe data with every reboot, preventing long-term storage.

ExpressVPN’s custom Lightway protocol is designed for both speed and security, offering reliable connections without significant drops. Operating from the British Virgin Islands, a jurisdiction with no mandatory data retention laws, they adhere to a strong no-logs policy that has also undergone third-party audits. ExpressVPN offers apps for a wide range of devices, including routers, smart TVs, and game consoles, and provides 24/7 live chat support, making it a premium yet accessible option for streaming enthusiasts and users needing broad device compatibility.

Surfshark – Best Budget VPN for Unlimited Devices

Surfshark provides exceptional value by offering unlimited simultaneous connections on a single subscription, a feature unmatched by most competitors. This makes it incredibly cost-effective for households or individuals with many devices. Despite its budget-friendly price point, especially on longer plans, Surfshark includes a suite of premium security features. CleanWeb acts as a built-in ad, tracker, and malware blocker, while Bypasser provides flexible split tunneling. Their Camouflage Mode (obfuscation) helps hide the fact you’re using a VPN.

Surfshark supports standard protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard, offering good speeds across its network of 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries. Based in the Netherlands (following a merger, originally BVI), their no-logs policy ensures your activities aren’t stored. Surfshark is a compelling option for users seeking extensive device coverage and robust features without a high cost.

ProtonVPN – Best VPN for Privacy Purists

From the Swiss-based team known for ProtonMail, ProtonVPN is engineered for maximum anonymity and security, operating under Switzerland’s strong privacy laws. A significant highlight is its completely free plan with unlimited data, which is rare among reputable providers, though it offers limited server locations and speeds compared to paid tiers and generally cannot access Netflix.

Premium plans unlock the full network of 4,700+ servers in 90+ countries and include advanced features like Secure Core, which routes traffic through multiple secure servers (including those in Switzerland, Iceland, and Sweden) before leaving the network, and Tor over VPN integration. ProtonVPN supports strong encryption standards and protocols like OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2. Their strict no-logs policy is clearly explained, and they regularly publish transparency reports. It’s the top choice for activists, journalists, and anyone prioritizing watertight privacy and security over all else.

CyberGhost – Best for Beginners

CyberGhost simplifies the process of using a VPN with its incredibly beginner-friendly interface and dedicated, optimized servers for specific activities. It boasts one of the largest server networks, with around 9,000 servers in 100+ countries, offering a vast selection of connection points. Users can easily find servers specifically tuned for streaming (unblocking platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer), gaming, or torrenting with just one click.

The Smart Rules feature allows for automation, like launching the VPN when you open a specific app. Supporting standard protocols like OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2, CyberGhost offers reliable speeds. Based in Romania, which has favorable data retention laws, they adhere to a no-logs policy. The service provides a generous 45-day money-back guarantee (for plans longer than one month), giving ample time for new users to test its ease of use and performance.

Mullvad VPN – Most Anonymous VPN

Mullvad stands out for its extreme focus on anonymity and user privacy. It requires no email or personal information to sign up; users are assigned a unique random account number. This commitment extends to accepting cash payments, further minimizing digital footprints. Mullvad’s applications are open-source, allowing for public scrutiny, and they maintain a rigorously audited no-logs policy.

Based in Sweden, their legal framework is generally supportive of privacy. While its server network of 650+ servers in 40+ countries is smaller than some competitors, and it doesn’t prioritize streaming access (often cannot unblock Netflix), its implementation of protocols like WireGuard is highly regarded for security. With a fixed price of €5 per month regardless of subscription length, Mullvad is a transparent and robust choice for hardcore privacy advocates and advanced users comfortable with a slightly less mainstream approach.

Windscribe – Best Free VPN With Generous Plan

Windscribe is notable for offering one of the most generous free VPN plans available, providing users with 10 GB of data per month and access to servers in over 10 countries. This allows users to try the service extensively before committing to a paid plan. The paid plan unlocks unlimited data and access to servers in 110+ cities across 60+ countries.

Windscribe’s desktop and mobile clients include useful features like a customizable firewall and R.O.B.E.R.T., a flexible tool for blocking IPs, ads, and malware. It supports OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard protocols, offering solid performance. Based in Canada (part of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance), privacy-conscious users should note the jurisdiction, although they maintain a no-logs policy. While the free tier typically doesn’t unblock Netflix, paid plans are capable, making Windscribe a versatile option with a strong free entry point and good extra features.

TunnelBear – Best VPN for Beginners

TunnelBear excels in simplicity and ease of use, making it the best VPN for beginners and first-time users. Its distinctive bear-themed interface is intuitive and engaging across all platforms. While its server network is smaller than many top-tier providers, covering 48 countries, it supports standard protocols like OpenVPN and IKEv2 with strong AES-256 encryption.

TunnelBear is based in Canada, which is part of the Five Eyes alliance, but they are transparent about their practices and undergo annual independent security audits of their apps and infrastructure, which is a significant trust signal. The free plan is limited to 2 GB per month, primarily for testing. While it may not be the fastest or offer extensive advanced features or reliable Netflix unblocking, its unmatched user-friendliness and commitment to transparency make it an excellent and trustworthy starting point for those new to VPNs.

Private Internet Access (PIA) – Best for Power Users

Private Internet Access (PIA) is highly recommended for power users and those seeking extensive customization and control over their VPN connection. It offers a massive server network, reportedly the largest with servers in 90+ countries, providing extensive options for diverse needs, including being very P2P-friendly with optimized servers for torrenting. PIA supports highly configurable protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard, allowing users to fine-tune encryption levels and other settings.

Advanced features include port forwarding, a kill switch, and MACE, which blocks ads, trackers, and malware at the DNS level. Operating from the USA (part of the Five Eyes alliance), privacy concerns related to jurisdiction are addressed by their proven no-logs policy, which has been tested and upheld in real-world court cases where PIA had no data to provide. PIA is a robust and transparent VPN for users who need control, advanced features, and strong P2P support.

VPN Use Cases in 2025

VPNs serve various essential purposes in the modern digital landscape:

• Traveling – Bypass internet censorship and access your home content while abroad. Essential in countries with restrictive internet policies.
• Home privacy – Prevent your Internet Service Provider (ISP) from tracking and potentially selling your online activity data. Also protects your browsing from others on your local network.
• Streaming – Unlock and watch global libraries on services like Netflix, Disney+, Max, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and others that are normally restricted by your location.
• Mobile protection – Secure your data and online activity when connected to potentially unsafe public Wi-Fi networks in cafes, airports, hotels, etc., preventing potential hacking or surveillance.
• Remote Work – Access company networks and resources securely from outside the office using encrypted connections, protecting sensitive business data.
• Torrenting/P2P Sharing – Download and share files securely and anonymously, protecting your IP address and activity from being monitored.

FAQ 

Q: What is the best VPN for streaming in 2025?
A: ExpressVPN and NordVPN are consistently rated among the top VPNs for streaming in 2025 due to their ability to reliably unblock major platforms and maintain high speeds, providing a smooth viewing experience.

Q: Are free VPNs safe in 2025?
A: Some free VPNs, like the free plan offered by ProtonVPN or Windscribe’s free tier, are considered safe options from reputable providers, although they come with limitations (data caps, speed limits, fewer servers, no streaming access). However, many completely free and unknown VPNs can compromise your privacy by logging data, injecting ads, or even containing malware, so extreme caution is advised. Always stick to free options from well-known providers if you choose to use a free VPN.

Q: Which VPN is fastest in 2025?
A: In recent benchmarks conducted in 2025, NordVPN, particularly when using its NordLynx protocol (based on WireGuard), generally offers the highest connection speeds, making it suitable for bandwidth-intensive activities. ExpressVPN with Lightway and providers strongly implementing WireGuard (like Surfshark, Atlas VPN, PIA) are also very fast.

Q: Does using a VPN slow down my internet speed?
A: Yes, using a VPN can slightly reduce your internet speed because your data has to travel through the VPN server and be encrypted. However, with high-quality VPNs and fast protocols like WireGuard, the speed difference is often negligible, especially for typical browsing and streaming. The impact is usually more noticeable on already slow connections.

Q: How many devices can I connect to a single VPN account?
A: This varies significantly by provider. Some, like Surfshark, offer unlimited simultaneous connections. Others, like NordVPN (6), ExpressVPN (5), or ProtonVPN (depends on plan), have limits. Check the specific plan details before subscribing.

Since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022, Ukraine’s defense forces have proven remarkably effective at targeting Russian rotary-wing aircraft, achieving key tactical victories that have impacted Russia’s air support capabilities. These incidents are not just statistics; they highlight evolving warfare dynamics, the ingenuity of defenders, and underscore the potency of modern weapon systems used against even advanced aircraft. Tracking confirmed losses and captures provides crucial insights into the ongoing air war. Here are five major incidents including notable captures and successful shoot-downs that have significantly impacted Russia’s helicopter fleet and made international headlines between 2022 and 2025.

Detailed Incidents

1. Captured Ka‑52 “Alligator” near Kyiv Airport (Feb–Apr 2022)

• Incident: During the initial, intense assault on Kyiv on 24 February 2022, Russian Ka‑52 “Alligator” attack helicopters played a key role in attempting to secure objectives like the Hostomel airport. Exposed to determined Ukrainian air defenses, several were hit by MANPADS (Man-Portable Air-Defense Systems). One specific Ka-52 sustained damage and crash-landed near Hostomel airport. Its wreck remained relatively intact in the field through early April 2022, after the initial Russian advance was repelled. Ukrainian special operations forces eventually secured the downed helicopter.


• Significance:
  
  
  
  • This incident was one of the earliest high-profile confirmed losses of Russia’s most advanced attack helicopter type.
  
  
  • Crucially, securing a relatively intact airframe provided Ukrainian forces, and potentially their Western partners, with rare access to modern Russian aviation technology.
  
  
  • Analyzing its systems, avionics, and countermeasures offered invaluable insights into Russian capabilities and weaknesses, informing defensive strategies and electronic warfare efforts.
  
  
  • The capture became a symbol of failed Russian air assault tactics during the initial phase of the invasion.
  
  
  
  

2. Russian Mi-8 Helicoper Captured by Defecting Pilot (Aug 2023)

• Incident: In a stunning and highly unusual incident in August 2023, a Russian Mi-8AMTSh transport helicopter, carrying parts for Su-27 and Su-30 fighter jets, landed at a Ukrainian military airfield near Kharkiv. The pilot, Maksym Kuzminov, had deliberately defected to Ukraine in a pre-planned operation coordinated with Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR). The two other crew members onboard, unaware of the plan, were reportedly killed attempting to resist after landing.


• Significance:
  
  
  
  • This was a major intelligence coup for Ukraine, providing access not only to a modern Mi-8 variant but also to valuable aircraft parts and, most importantly, the pilot’s testimony and insights into Russian air force operations and morale.
  
  
  • The incident delivered a significant psychological blow to the Russian military, highlighting potential internal dissent and raising concerns about the trustworthiness of their personnel.
  
  
  • It demonstrated the effectiveness of Ukrainian intelligence operations aimed at encouraging defections.
  
  
  • The captured helicopter itself became a military asset for Ukraine and a subject of international media attention.
  
  
  
  

3. HIMARS Strikes on Ka‑52 & Mi‑8 in Russia’s Belgorod (Mar 2025)

• Incident: In a sophisticated deep-action strike in March 2025, Ukrainian forces successfully targeted a forward staging airfield in Belgorod Oblast, Russia, located relatively close to the Ukrainian border. Utilizing M30A2-guided rockets fired from the US-provided HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System), Ukrainian precision strikes reportedly destroyed two Ka‑52 attack helicopters and two Mi‑8 transports that were positioned on the ground.


• Significance:
  
  
  
  • This strike demonstrated Ukraine’s increasing capability to accurately hit high-value Russian military assets located deep behind the immediate front lines using Western-supplied long-range precision artillery.
  
  
  • Targeting helicopters on the ground, particularly advanced types like the Ka-52, is an effective way to degrade Russia’s air support capabilities before they can even reach the combat zone.
  
  
  • The incident underscored the vulnerability of even seemingly secure forward operating bases to modern guided missile systems like HIMARS.
  
  
  • It highlighted Ukraine’s intelligence capabilities in identifying and targeting valuable concentrations of Russian military equipment.
  
  
  
  

SOF, along with the military intelligence and Rocket Forces and Artillery, struck and destroyed 4 russian helicopters – two Kamov Ka-52 and two Mil Mi-8 – behind enemy lines at russia’s hidden position for rapid redeployment or attacks against Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/57swOQxZnc

— SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES OF UKRAINE (@SOF_UKR) March 24, 2025

4. Significant Mi‑24/35 and Ka‑52 Losses in 2023 Combat Operations

• Mi‑24/35: The Mi-24 (Hind) and its modernized variants (Mi-35) have been workhorse attack helicopters for Russia. Throughout 2023, these aircraft continued to operate in contested airspace and faced significant threats. For instance, in early April 2023, a Russian Mi‑24VM variant was specifically reported as shot down in Kharkiv Oblast due to MANPADS fire.


• Ka‑52: The Ka-52 “Alligator” saw extensive use, particularly in supporting ground offensives in 2023. However, it also suffered heavy losses. Reports from open sources and visually confirmed losses tracked by organizations like Oryx indicate that numerous Ka‑52s were destroyed across combat zones including critical sectors like Vuhledar, Avdiivka, and areas in Belgorod Oblast. Visual confirmations alone account for over 64 losses of this type throughout the conflict by the end of 2023, with reports suggesting over 20 destroyed within that specific year.


• Significance:
  
  
  
  • These sustained losses underscore the persistent vulnerability of Russian attack helicopters to a combination of layered Ukrainian defenses, including shoulder-fired MANPADS, short-range air defenses, artillery fire, FPV drones, and electronic warfare that disrupts their targeting and navigation.
  
  
  • Despite their armor and countermeasures, both older Mi-24/35 and newer Ka-52s proved susceptible when operating in high-threat environments.
  
  
  • The attrition rate for these helicopters significantly degraded Russia’s ability to provide close air support and perform reconnaissance effectively.
  
  
  
  

5. Mi‑28N “Night Hunter” Wreckages Found in Hostomel (2022)

• Incident: During the initial invasion in February 2022, Russian forces attempted to seize key airfields, including Hostomel, using helicopter assaults spearheaded by attack aviation. Among the types deployed was the Mil Mi-28N “Night Hunter,” intended as Russia’s premier all-weather attack helicopter. Following the failed assault on Kyiv and the withdrawal of Russian forces from northern Ukraine in late March and April 2022, the wreckage of at least two Mi‑28N attack helicopters was discovered in the vicinity of Hostomel and other northern areas like Kharkiv Oblast. These losses were attributed to successful engagements by Ukrainian ground forces using MANPADS and other ground-based anti-aircraft fire.


• Significance:
  
  
  
  • The loss of Mi-28N helicopters, similar to the Ka-52 losses, demonstrated that even Russia’s newer, technologically advanced attack helicopters were not immune to Ukrainian air defenses.
  
  
  • It showed that aircraft intended for high survivability in contested environments could be effectively neutralized by relatively low-cost, portable weapon systems when operating at low altitudes or during vulnerable phases of flight like landings and takeoffs.
  
  
  • The presence of their wrecks among others near key objectives like Hostomel highlighted the heavy cost Russia paid in rotary-wing assets during the initial, unsuccessful attempts to achieve rapid air superiority and capture strategic points from the air.
  
  
  
  

Quick Stats on Russian Helicopter Losses (as of mid-2025)

Based on aggregated data from open sources like Oryx and reputable military analysis sites, the confirmed visual losses of Russian helicopters in Ukraine are significant:

• Ka‑52 “Alligator”: Around 60 visually confirmed destroyed, with others damaged or captured. This represents a substantial portion of Russia’s operational Ka-52 fleet entering the invasion.


• Mi-8/Mi-17 Transports: Over 23 visually confirmed destroyed, including various transport and specialized variants, with some captured (like the notable incident in August 2023). These losses impact troop and cargo movement capabilities.


• Mi-24/Mi-35 Attack Helicopters: Over 13 visually confirmed total losses of these older, but still widely used, attack helicopters.


• Mi-28N “Night Hunter”: Around 13 visually confirmed destroyed, with others damaged. These losses are particularly impactful given the Mi-28N’s intended role as a premier attack platform.


• Other Types: Additional losses include Mi-26 heavy transport helicopters, Ka-29, and other types, though in smaller numbers.

Collectively, the confirmed visually verifiable losses of Russian helicopters in the conflict likely exceed 100 airframes by mid-2025. While challenging to give an exact real-time figure (actual losses are likely higher than visually confirmed), this represents a significant percentage of Russia’s pre-war rotary-wing force and seriously degrades their air assault, close air support, and logistical capabilities. 

Why These Losses Matter

These specific incidents and the overall high rate of Russian helicopter losses are important for several reasons:

• Technological Evolution of Warfare: They powerfully demonstrate the rising efficacy and proliferation of modern anti-air systems, ranging from advanced MANPADS and short-range air defenses to guided missiles (like HIMARS against ground targets) and the increasing threat posed by various types of drones.


• Shifting Air Warfare Dynamics: The vulnerability of rotary-wing assets in contested airspaces signals a significant shift from earlier conflicts where helicopters could often operate with relative impunity. This forces changes in tactics, requiring greater caution, better electronic warfare support, and adaptation to operate in environments where the “air is not clear.”


• Impact on Ground Operations: Helicopters are vital for rapid troop deployment, close air support, medical evacuation, and logistics. Their significant attrition rate directly impedes Russia’s ability to conduct these operations effectively, impacting the pace and success of ground offensives.


• Intelligence Gathering: The capture of intact or relatively intact airframes (like the Ka-52 and Mi-8) provides invaluable intelligence on Russian technology and tactics, aiding Ukraine and its allies in developing countermeasures.


• Psychological and Morale Impact: Capturing and destroying expensive, high-profile military assets like attack helicopters not only has operational consequences but also serves as a powerful symbol of resistance and success for Ukrainian forces, undermining Russian morale.

Takeaway

The cases of Russian helicopters captured or destroyed in Ukraine showcase the brutal realities of modern warfare and the effectiveness of determined defense against technologically advanced adversaries. The evolving methods used by Ukrainian forces ranging from proven surface-to-air missiles and precise HIMARS strikes against ground targets, to innovative uses of drones and successful intelligence operations leading to captures highlight Ukraine’s strategic innovation and adaptation.

These incidents not only shift battlefield dynamics by making rotary-wing assets significantly more vulnerable but symbolize a broader recalibration of air power effectiveness in the face of widely available and capable defensive systems in 2025.

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