A Russian kamikaze attack drone of the Geran type reportedly destroyed a Hero of Ukraine, combat pilot Oleksandr Shemet. The incident was reported by the Ukrainian public broadcaster Suspilne.
On December 17, a Mi-24 combat helicopter piloted by the 55-year-old Shemet took off to intercept unmanned aerial vehicles over the Cherkasy region. According to reports, the aircraft maintained continuous contact with the command post before suddenly disappearing from radar screens.
Later, wreckage of the helicopter and four bodies were discovered at the crash site. Preliminary findings indicate that the helicopter likely collided with a drone during the mission.
Who Was Oleksandr Shemet
Oleksandr Shemet was a graduate of the Syzran Higher Military Aviation School for Pilots. He had participated in the so-called anti-terrorist operation in Donbas since 2015.
Shemet was awarded the title Hero of Ukraine for what was described as the final successful aerial breakthrough to the Azovstal plant in Mariupol in April 2022.
The Telegram channel Voevoda Veschaet noted that, by military aviation standards, Shemet was considered a relatively elderly pilot.
New Capabilities of the Geran Drones
In late autumn, new modifications of Geran drones reportedly appeared over Ukraine. These updated versions are said to be equipped with R-60 air-to-air missiles.
The missiles can reportedly engage aerial targets using a Komar infrared homing seeker and strike objects at distances of up to seven kilometers.
Unlike aircraft-launched missiles, the drone lacks its own radar station. Target acquisition and guidance are carried out exclusively via the missile's seeker head. Each drone carries a single missile, theoretically enabling it to shoot down a helicopter or fighter aircraft deployed for interception.
Rear-View Cameras and Counter-Interception Measures
In addition to missile integration, Geran drones have reportedly been fitted with rear-view cameras.
This modification allows operators to monitor the rear hemisphere and potentially evade or counter interception attempts.
The "Ghost of Kyiv” Narrative
Within the Ukrainian information space, a long-standing legend persists about the so-called "Ghost of Kyiv” - either a highly effective Ukrainian Air Force pilot or an entire elite unit.
The concept was reportedly created by the communications team of the Ukrainian Ground Forces to boost morale among both military personnel and civilians. An earlier proposed name for the narrative was reportedly "Kyiv Avenger”.
However, Ukrainian and international media have repeatedly reported the deaths of pilots linked to this myth.
Among them was Serhii Bondar, a MiG-29 fighter pilot who was killed in a crash during a combat sortie in August. Bondar had previously taught at the National Aviation University of Ukraine before joining the front lines in February 2022.
Other pilots later associated with the "Ghost of Kyiv” narrative included Oleksandr Migulia and Valentyn Korenchuk, both of whom failed to return from combat missions.
