Drone-Downing Ukrainian Piston Planes Annoying Russians

Following the success of taking out Russian drones with shotguns in a Yak-52, the military is now training to use the rag-and-tube A-22.

Russ Niles

Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at 04:02 PM ET

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Edited By: tccjeremy

Foxbat LSA [Credit: Neil Bassett/ Foxbat UK]

Key Takeaways:

Ukrainians are now employing Aeroprakt A-22 (Foxbat LSA) aircraft, piloted by air force personnel with rear gunners, to intercept and shoot down Russian drones.
This initiative follows the successful use of Yak-52 planes in a similar role, which reportedly downed 12 high-value Russian reconnaissance UAVs.
The tactic of using these low-and-slow piston planes for drone interception has proven highly effective and is causing significant frustration among Russian forces and military bloggers.
Prior to this, the A-22 aircraft were also adapted by Ukrainians for use as single-use flying bombs, targeting high-value objectives.

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The ever-resourceful Ukrainians have found another use for the homegrown Aeroprakt A-22 (sold as the Foxbat LSA in the U.S.), and it’s really annoying the Russians.

After a few months of success with air force pilots and rear gunners with shotguns taking out Russian drones in a Yak-52, the Ukraine military is now training pilots and gunners to use the rag-and-tube A-22 to do the same. Previously the light sport aircraft (LSA) have been used as single-use flying bombs and have taken out some high-value targets.