The Ukrainian forces destroyed two Russian light aircraft adapted to intercept drones during an attack on an airfield in the occupied Zaporizhzhia region.
The operation, conducted by the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU), took place about 85 kilometers behind the front lines and was released on October 21. According to the agency, the operation is part of a plan to ensure continued attacks in the Russian rear.
According to the SBU, the downed aircraft were light, propeller-driven models modified by Russian forces to serve as interceptors for Ukrainian drones. Just a few days earlier, Russian state television had aired footage of Cessna and Yak-52 aircraft adapted for this role, presented as an improvised solution in response to the intensifying Ukrainian drone attacks in occupied territories and even within Russia.
The growing use of long-range drones has become a central strategy for Ukraine to target fuel depots, munitions, and radar systems far from the front lines, in areas where manned aircraft cannot operate safely. With this attack, Kyiv seeks to weaken Russia’s ability to defend these areas and expand the freedom of action for its drones in strategic regions.
Source: Defence Blog | Photo: YouTube @SecurityServiceUkraine | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
❗️The Security Service of 🇺🇦Ukraine destroyed 🇷🇺Russian light-engine aircraft that were converted to intercept Ukrainian long-range kamikaze drones pic.twitter.com/VZ68csiDEI
— 🪖MilitaryNewsUA🇺🇦 (@front_ukrainian) October 21, 2025
