Russian Air Defense Fires At Mystery Objects in Sky, Sparking Speculation

Conflicting reports have emerged from Russia regarding the targets of an overnight air-defense operation in the Moscow region.

Russian state-run news agency RT reported Thursday that air defenses targeted “helicopter drones,” claiming this marked the first attempted use of such drones to attack Moscow during the conflict. However, several Russian Telegram channels suggested that Russia’s air defenses may have mistakenly targeted one of their own military helicopters.

Newsweek has contacted Russian and Ukrainian authorities for comment by email.

Why It Matters

If Russia targeted one of its own military helicopters, it would serve as an embarrassment to Russia’s air force, which has suffered extensive aviation losses throughout the war in Ukraine, with a large number of them being self-inflicted.

General Christopher Cavoli, the head of the U.S. European Command, told American lawmakers that by April 2024, Russia had lost around 10 percent of its aircraft fleet since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

What To Know

Nighttime footage of Russia’s air defense in action in Moscow was shared on Telegram by many prominent channels, including AP Wagner, which is linked to the Wagner Group, a Russian paramilitary outfit.

“In the Moscow region, a helicopter was accidentally confused with a Ukrainian drone and anti-aircraft guns fired on it. They failed to shoot it down. Good luck!” the channel said.

“It’s a helicopter, you dumb***!” an eyewitness could be heard saying in a video shared by the ASTRA Telegram channel, a project run by independent Russian journalists.

Meanwhile, Russian Telegram channel Military Informant said a Ukrainian drone which resembles a helicopter was destroyed by air defense systems in Naro-Fominsk, Moscow region.

“The device in the footage resembles a helicopter due to its contour lights, which raises questions,” it said.

RT claimed Ukraine used “helicopter drones” to attack Moscow.

Russian Telegram channel Mash also suggested that Ukraine had deployed a “helicopter-type” attack drone by Ukrainian private defense firm Ramza—the RZ-500—allegedly for the first time in the war.

According to Defense Express, the rotor drone is capable of carrying and launching missile weapons.

Other accounts, including pro-Kyiv ones and OSINT analysts, claimed the object was indeed a Russian helicopter.

Newsweek couldn’t independently verify the objects in the videos.

What People Are Saying

Russia’s state-run news agency RT said on X on Thursday: “Ukraine used helicopter drones for the first time ever in nighttime strike attempt on Moscow region. These low-flying UAVs evade detection longer — but has a shorter range.”

WarTranslated, Estonian-based blogger on Twitter: “Last night, a helicopter flew over Moscow — but the Russians got so spooked, they ended up shooting down their own aircraft. Who needs enemies with air defense like that?”

What Happens Next

Russia and Ukraine have yet to comment on the overnight attack.