“For Infantry, We Are Angels”: General Bardakov on Combat Operations, Drone Battles, and Covert Missions

In the ongoing conflict that has reshaped European security since February 2022, few military branches have proven as crucial yet vulnerable as army aviation. The commander of the Ukrainian Ground Forces’ Army Aviation, whose units operate in some of the most contested airspace in modern warfare, recently shared insights into the challenges, tactics, and future of rotary-wing combat operations. His revelations provide a rare glimpse into the high-stakes world of helicopter warfare against a technologically advanced adversary.

The general’s path to commanding one of Ukraine’s most critical combat arms took an unconventional route through African conflict zones, where he gained invaluable experience in asymmetric warfare and hostile operating environments. This background, he explains, proved instrumental in developing the adaptive tactics that Ukrainian helicopter crews now employ daily against Russian forces. The African missions taught him that survival in modern combat depends not on following rigid doctrines but on constant innovation and the willingness to abandon conventional approaches when circumstances demand.

The Evolution of Helicopter Tactics in Modern Warfare

Ukrainian army aviation has undergone a dramatic transformation since the full-scale invasion began. Initial losses forced commanders to completely rethink how helicopters could be employed against an enemy with sophisticated air defense systems. The solution involved adopting extremely low-altitude flight profiles, often just meters above the ground, combined with rapid pop-up attacks using unguided rockets at maximum range. This technique, while reducing accuracy, dramatically improved crew survivability. The general notes that his pilots have become experts at terrain masking, using every fold in the landscape to shield their aircraft from enemy radar and missiles.

Behind-the-lines operations represent some of the most dangerous yet strategically valuable missions his crews undertake. These covert insertions of special operations forces deep into enemy-controlled territory require exceptional skill and nerve. Pilots must navigate without active radar, often at night, avoiding not only air defenses but also the increasingly prevalent threat of Iranian-designed Shahed drones that Russia deploys in large numbers. The cat-and-mouse game with these unmanned aerial vehicles has become a defining feature of the air war, with helicopter crews sometimes engaging the slow-moving but dangerous drones to protect ground assets.

The Shahed Challenge and Aerial Duels

The proliferation of Shahed-136 kamikaze drones has created an entirely new dimension to the conflict. These Iranian-supplied weapons, while technologically simple compared to cruise missiles, present a persistent threat due to their low cost and the sheer numbers Russia can deploy. Ukrainian helicopter crews have found themselves pressed into an air defense role, hunting these drones during their long transit flights toward Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. The general describes these engagements as aerial duels requiring patience and precision, as the drones’ small size and low radar signature make them challenging targets even for experienced gunners.

Operations near the Russian border region, including areas around Belgorod, have taken on particular significance as Ukrainian forces have conducted cross-border raids and supported incursions by Russian volunteer units fighting against the Kremlin. These missions carry exceptional risk, as crews must operate within range of Russian air defenses based on home territory, where the enemy has had years to establish layered protection. The psychological dimension of these operations cannot be understated – bringing the war to Russian soil sends a powerful message while stretching enemy resources thin.

The Human Factor: Training and Morale

Despite the technological nature of modern air combat, the general emphasizes that human factors remain paramount. The nickname his crews have earned from ground troops – “angels” – reflects the life-saving role helicopter aviation plays in casualty evacuation and close air support. When infantry units find themselves pinned down or facing armored threats, the arrival of attack helicopters can transform a desperate situation. This bond between air and ground forces has been forged through countless engagements and has created a mutual respect that transcends military hierarchy.

Looking toward the future, the commander acknowledges that army aviation must continue evolving. The integration of unmanned systems, improved electronic warfare capabilities, and next-generation missiles will shape how helicopters operate in coming years. He advocates for closer cooperation with Western partners to acquire more modern platforms while emphasizing that Ukrainian crews have proven they can maximize the potential of any equipment provided. The lessons learned in this conflict, he believes, will influence military aviation doctrine worldwide for decades to come.