In the course of its protracted conflict with Ukraine, Russia has employed a range of lethal weapons. However, the Mi-8MTPR-1 electronic warfare (EW) helicopter, which is thought to be a key element of Russia’s strategy against Ukrainian air defenses, has received little attention.

The Mi-8MTPR-1 helicopter is an upgraded version of the standard Mi-8MTV-5-1 outfitted with the Richag-AV EW system. Moscow is believed to have employed this helicopter to conduct electronic warfare against Ukrainian air defense systems. 

The Kazan Helicopters plant manufactures the helicopter, known internally by the manufacturer as Mi-8MTV-5PR. PR refers to Pomekhovyi Rychag, a helicopter jammer equipped with the Rychag system.

The use of this chopper in the Ukraine war was also recently confirmed by a photo issued by the Russian Ministry of Defense. This image was posted on the Fighter-bomber Telegram channel on October 3, 2022, featuring a Mi-8MTPR-1 electronic warfare helicopter in the background.

The tactical number, which has been painted over, was probably dark blue. This is consistent with the color of the helicopter identification numbers in the 18th Army Aviation Brigade in Khabarovsk.

To complete the missions against Ukraine, the chopper flew at more than 10,000 feet while hovering inside Russian-controlled territory to avoid being gunned down.

Meanwhile, in June, a video of the helicopter went viral, showing a Russian soldier, who looks to be a pilot, standing near it.

In the video, he described how the Rychag system allows Russian strike aircraft to enter Ukraine more deeply by suppressing the air defense capabilities of all types present in the bordering region, including Western analog systems and old Soviet systems.

Eurasian Times