The former Soviet Yak-52 training aircraft is getting a new lease on life – now as a drone interceptor. According to RIA Novosti, the Aviastroitel Design Bureau, based in Moscow, is carrying out the modernization of the aircraft into the Yak-52B2 variant, specifically focused on countering unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
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According to Dmitry Motin, head of the modernization project, “today, one of the priority projects of our department is the modernization of the Yak-52 aircraft into the Yak-52B2 modification, as a ‘UAV countermeasure aircraft’. We are awaiting the airworthiness certification from the Federal Air Transport Agency.”
The modernization includes the installation of new navigation and flight equipment, an electronic warfare system to jam enemy communications, and even a circular scanning radar capable of operating in air-to-air, air-to-ground, and weather modes.
But what caught the most attention in the images circulating online is the improvised weaponry: a semi-automatic Saiga carbine, apparently mounted under one of the wings. On the opposite side, a tactical radar is installed.
Despite its unusual appearance, the proposal is clear: to create a lightweight, agile, and low-cost platform to intercept reconnaissance and attack drones such as the An-196 “Lyuty” and remotely piloted versions of the Aeroprakt A-22 aircraft.
Source and images: RIA Novosti | Telegram @AviaCT. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
