Russia has transformed its light-engine Cessna aircraft to work as “hunters” of Ukrainian drones, according to the Militarnyi website.
The updates to the planes were shown in a report on the state TV channel Russia 1. Among the changes, it is evident that two machine guns were mounted under the fuselage.
Additionally, the cockpit has been equipped with targeting and guidance systems to improve accuracy against airborne targets. These updates have turned the civilian aircraft into improvised drone interceptors.
However, detecting and destroying low-altitude autonomous drones (operating at altitudes of 80 to 150 meters) remains a challenge for the Russians.
(Photo: Reproduction/TV)
While they can be detected by ground radars, destroying them requires mechanical means, such as missiles, artillery, or small arms, a task complicated by their low flight altitudes and distant flight paths.
The tactic of using light aircraft for military use is not new. In Ukraine, Yak-52 sport planes are already being used to destroy reconnaissance drones and Shahed drones as they approach large cities.
These aircraft have a low stall speed of 100 to 140 km/h, allowing them to efficiently pursue slow-moving targets and maneuver more easily at low speeds.
Photos: Reproduction/TV. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
