A modernized Z-137 AgroTurbo light aircraft equipped with air-to-air missiles has been spotted operating in Ukrainian skies, marking a new approach to the country’s air defense.
Images released by local residents show the Czechoslovak-designed turboprop model, originally intended for civilian use, now converted for aerial interception. The fuselage bears the typical Ukrainian military aviation marking — two diagonal white stripes on the tail — and carries under each wing an AKU-73 launcher capable of firing short-range R-73 missiles.
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The R-73, with its autonomous infrared guidance system, requires no integration with the aircraft’s onboard radar, needing only power supply and a connection for the launch command. At the moment of firing, the missile’s warhead “locks” onto the target by thermal contrast.
According to experts, these adapted aircraft, with a maximum speed between 200 and 250 km/h, are primarily tasked with intercepting kamikaze drones and Russian reconnaissance UAVs. Pilot guidance can be provided from command posts that receive data from ground-based radars, directing altitude and interception routes.
The strategy of using turboprop aircraft in these operations aims to free up fighter jets for more complex missions while expanding air defense coverage.
The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi, has previously emphasized the importance of this innovation:
“One of the promising areas in combating Shaheds is the use of light aircraft. We already have them, and new projects are being implemented with the financial and material support of our foreign partners. We have received modern light-engine aircraft with advanced weaponry and navigation systems, which will increase our effectiveness against Russian attack drones.”
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Source and images: militarnyi | Telegram @TyskNIP | Instagram @militaranalyse. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
