A video released by a Russian volunteer group called Project Archangel shows a quadcopter drone attached with zip ties to the wing of a MiG-29 fighter, supposedly as part of an experiment to intercept enemy unmanned aircraft.
The precarious installation, however, raises doubts about its effectiveness, as the drone cannot be deployed in flight and would likely not withstand the high speeds of the fighter. Furthermore, the presence of the equipment could interfere with the aircraft’s defense systems, making the idea more of a propaganda stunt than a viable military solution.
Project Archangel, which claims to develop combat drones, suggested that the aircraft could carry the interceptor to cities like Kyiv or Lviv, but experts consider the proposal absurd, as Russian fighters do not even operate near these areas due to strong Ukrainian air defenses.
The group also claimed that it “solved” the communication problem by training drone operators to pilot fighters, a claim considered unlikely given the complexity and cost of these aircraft.
Despite the fanciful nature of the experiment, the initiative reflects Russia’s growing concern over the drone threat in the war against Ukraine. While the use of fighters as launch platforms still seems far-fetched, the country is investing in other solutions, such as loitering munitions and more advanced aerial systems.
For now, however, Archangel’s attempt appears more like a marketing exercise than a real military advance.
Source and images: The War Zone | Telegram @projectArchangel | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
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