Ukraine has been resorting to improvised methods to counter the flood of drones launched by Russia.
Unable to stop all attacks with advanced air defense systems alone, such as Patriot missiles and F-16 fighters, the country has deployed a low-tech strategy: hunting drones using Soviet-era Yak-52 propeller planes, from which shooters fire rifles and shotguns at the targets.
According to the Wall Street Journal, just last year Ukraine’s 11th Army Aviation Brigade managed to shoot down around 120 drones this way. The practice is reminiscent of early aerial combat in World War I, when pilots had to expose themselves to fire at the enemy. Despite its simplicity, the tactic accounts for 10–12% of the country’s daily drone interceptions.
In addition to firing, pilots also use a technique inherited from the British: tilting their aircraft wings to deflect drones off course. However, risks are increasing as Moscow modernizes its technology, making drone hunters more vulnerable. In July, the brigade commander, Kostyantyn Oborin, known as “Kamikaze,” was killed after being hit by a Russian ballistic missile.
Source: New York Post | Photo: X @front_ukrainian | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
❗️The Wall Street Journal story about the work of a 🇺🇦Ukrainian unit that uses Soviet Yak-52 training aircraft to combat 🇷🇺Russian drones. pic.twitter.com/rbsrhTpDr8
— 🪖MilitaryNewsUA🇺🇦 (@front_ukrainian) August 25, 2025
