Ukrainian developers presented a cheap plane that can shoot down Russian reconnaissance UAVs

Forbes reports: the Ukrainian Yak-52 aircraft, which gained fame for its effective fight against Russian reconnaissance drones over Odessa, may return to combat missions. This propeller-driven aircraft, which was created as a training aircraft in the 1970s, has surprised with its successes in the conditions of modern warfare. In mid-2024, it became an effective response to the dominance of Russian drones in the skies of Ukraine.

The Yak-52 destroyed Russian “Eagles”, which cost more than $100,000, using tactics reminiscent of World War I air battles. On board were a pilot and, probably, a gunner with a shotgun. The operation lasted several hours, and the plane was even forced to refuel in the midst of the battle. The cost of an hour of flight of the Yak-52 is estimated at several hundred dollars, which makes it an extremely economical solution in the fight against expensive enemy drones.

However, there are also questions about the operation of the aircraft. In particular, military experts drew attention to discrepancies in the data: the publication mentions the consumption of 1,000 liters of fuel during the operation, although the Yak-52's fuel tank holds only 280 liters. Despite this, the maneuverability and speed of the aircraft allowed it to effectively hit targets.

Although there is no official confirmation of the Yak-52's return to patrol, its capabilities still arouse interest. Previous missions indicate that the pilots used high-speed maneuvers, climbs, and dives to engage targets. These tactical features made the aircraft an important element in defending Ukrainian skies.