A Russian helicopter is thought to have been shot down by an ultra modern missile that was made in Ulster in its first use, after being supplied to the Ukraine army.
Footage appears to show the Starstreak, a high-velocity portable anti-air missile, hitting the helicopter and ripping it in half.
It is reported to have happened over the Luhansk region in eastern Ukraine.
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The Starstreak missile is manufactured in Belfast, Co Antrim by Thales Air Defence Limited, which employs almost 500 people in the north. It also operates a remote facility in rural Co Down where missiles are tested and stored.
Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine on February 24, the UK's Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said Starstreak missiles would be sent to Ukraine.
He said: "In response to a Ukrainian request, the Government has taken the decision to explore the donation of Starstreak high-velocity manned portable anti-air missiles.
"We believe that this system will remain within the definition of defensive weapons but will allow the Ukrainian force to better defend their skies.
"We shall also be increasing the supplies of rations, medical equipment and other non-lethal military aid."
Starstreak is the UK’s most advanced manned portable missile system and hits targets with three kinetic darts.
A video showing the tail of a Mi-28N helicopter being snapped off has been verified, reported the Times, with a source from Britain's Ministry of Defence saying it showed a Starstreak in action in Ukraine.
The source also said that the anti-air missile system has been used in Ukraine for almost a week, according to our sister Mirror site.
It comes as Vladimir Putin ’s negotiators have said this week that Russian forces would ease back from attacks on Kyiv and northern Ukraine, although shelling has continued and there are fears they may be simply regrouping.
Meanwhile Ukraine has managed to retake some territory taken from the Russians especially around Kyiv.
Ukrainian President Zelenskiy said in a video address that the military situation in the east remained extremely difficult and Russia was preparing for new strikes in the Donbas region and the city of Kharkiv.
He added that Russian troops in the north of the country were pulling back, slowly but noticeably.
Ireland continues to take in refugees fleeing Ukraine with the Taoiseach saying there will be "no limit" to the numbers the country will accept.
Earlier this week, Micheal Martin praised the extraordinary response from the Irish public on assisting people fleeing the war.
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