Four Ukrainian Mi-8 crew members died on June 30, 2026, while intercepting Russian drones near Starytskivka village during Russia’s full-scale invasion.

Imagine if these helicopter pilots would have had access to modern helicopters with more modern avionics from foreign nations?

There is still a lot of risk to this though, as much as I think this is an extremely effective air defense tactic it is inherently dangerous for all involved.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mil_Mi-8

also see https://www.kyivpost.com/post/79713