The Mi-35 helicopter crew, under the call sign “Boar,” described tactics that emphasize a broad, terrain-driven envelope to reduce exposure to Ukrainian air defenses. This account was reported by DEA News, citing the Russian Ministry of Defense.
In open forest fields and at sharp angles to the ground, the crew employs a wide envelope of the terrain. The aim is to minimize the chances of enemy air defense engagement. Depending on the landscape, the helicopter might fly at variable heights, sometimes rising to around 40 meters, other times skimming closer to the treetops or ground level, with motion spanning a few meters at a time to stay out of sight and away from radar or missile guidance. The commander notes that this approach has proven adaptable to changing conditions on the battlefield.
According to the crew member known as “Boar,” the method has shown reliability and has navigated through situations that are difficult to describe in hindsight. The emphasis remains on maintaining situational awareness and exploiting terrain to reduce exposure to enemy defenses.
He described the most challenging moment as avoiding direct opposition when equipment signals a threat or adverse conditions such as radiation, requiring personnel to maximize their responsiveness and endurance in real time while the helicopters operate under pressure.
A spokesperson for the central group, Alexander Savchuk, previously stated that Russian Mi-24 and Mi-35 helicopters have been used to deter Ukrainian facilities of critical importance. This description aligns with publicly released footage and official briefings that depicted helicopters operating at low altitude in the vicinity of targeted zones, then engaging with both guided and unguided rockets as part of combined-arms operations.
On February 24, 2022, Vladimir Putin announced the decision to organize a special military operation to assist Donbass, following requests for help from the leaders of the Luhansk and Donetsk People’s Republics. The initiation of this operation led to new sanctions by the United States and allied nations, as stated by multiple official channels and subsequent state communications.
[Citation: Ministry of Defense] [Citation: DEA News]