Russian social media channels have circulated images allegedly showing the aftermath of a U.S.-supplied HIMARS strike on a Russian military airfield in Belgorod, resulting in severe damage to multiple helicopters. The attack, which reportedly took place on March 24, targeted aircraft belonging to the Russian Aerospace Forces.
Footage released by Russian military bloggers and Telegram channels shows significant structural damage to at least two helicopters — a Mi-28NM attack helicopter and a Mi-8AMTSh transport and assault aircraft. Open-source intelligence analysts have identified the Mi-8AMTSh as having sustained the most extensive damage, with clear signs of a missile impact beneath its troop compartment. The Mi-28NM, while showing fewer external signs of destruction, reportedly suffered internal system degradation.
According to military analysts, the strike was likely carried out using the M30A2 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS), a precision-guided munition armed with a warhead filled with tungsten steel balls. This warhead is designed to inflict widespread damage on lightly armored vehicles and aircraft, making it particularly effective against helicopters parked in open-air revetments.
In the immediate aftermath of the attack, initial reports misidentified the damaged Mi-28NM as a Ka-52 “Alligator”, another Russian attack helicopter that has suffered significant combat losses in Ukraine. However, further analysis of available footage and wreckage confirmed the correct aircraft types involved.
The Russian Ministry of Defense has not issued an official statement acknowledging the strike or its effects. Russian state media has also remained silent on the incident, consistent with previous trends of downplaying losses inflicted by Ukrainian precision strikes.
The Belgorod region, which borders Ukraine, has become an increasingly frequent target for cross-border missile and drone strikes. As the war continues, Ukrainian forces have expanded their ability to strike deeper into Russian territory, targeting airfields, logistics hubs, and supply depots.
Despite efforts by the Russian military to bolster air defenses in the area, HIMARS rocket strikes have continued to penetrate defensive systems, raising concerns about the effectiveness of Russia’s force protection measures.
Military analysts believe that the March 24 strike highlights two key vulnerabilities in Russia’s war strategy:
Inadequate Airfield Defenses – Russian helicopters were reportedly parked in open-air revetments without hardened shelters, leaving them exposed to precision strikes. This suggests a failure to adapt to the long-range strike capabilities of Ukraine’s Western-supplied weapons.
Challenges in Rear-Area Security – The ability of Ukrainian forces to target Russian military assets inside Belgorod—a region well inside Russian territory—demonstrates significant gaps in Russian intelligence and counterstrike capabilities.
The attack on Belgorod adds to a growing list of Ukrainian strikes on high-value Russian targets. In recent months, HIMARS and Storm Shadow missiles have successfully hit Russian ammunition depots, command posts, and radar stations, disrupting frontline operations.
The destruction of helicopters at an airbase behind the front lines underscores Ukraine’s evolving tactics: rather than engaging Russian forces head-on in high-casualty battles, Ukrainian forces are systematically targeting logistical and air assets.
If the Mi-8AMTSh is deemed irreparable, it would mark yet another significant loss for Russia’s already depleted helicopter fleet. The Mi-28NM, even if repairable, may face extended downtime due to damage to its onboard avionics and weapons systems.
While Moscow has not commented on the incident, it is likely to either escalate counterstrikes on Ukrainian positions or increase air defense deployments in Belgorod and surrounding regions.
Past Ukrainian strikes on Russian military installations have led to retaliatory missile barrages targeting Ukrainian cities, infrastructure, and military command centers. Given the strategic nature of this attack, a Russian response is expected in the coming days.
However, as the war drags on, Ukraine’s ability to strike deeper into Russian-controlled areas with high-precision, long-range weapons is becoming a defining factor in the conflict. If such attacks continue, they could force Russia to reposition valuable air assets even further from the front lines, complicating its ability to provide close air support to its troops.
As of now, there has been no independent verification of the operational status of the damaged helicopters. However, the level of destruction suggests that at least one aircraft is beyond field repair.
For Ukraine, the ability to carry out successful deep-strike operations reinforces its position in the war and could pressure Russia to divert more resources to defensive operations within its own borders.
With continued Western support in the form of precision-guided munitions like HIMARS and Storm Shadow, Ukrainian forces are likely to keep targeting Russian airfields and supply routes, further complicating Russia’s military strategy.
