Ukraine’s 11th Separate Army Aviation Brigade, known as the Kherson Brigade, has released a new video compilation showing its Yak-52 propeller aircraft intercepting Russian attack drones during the ongoing war. The footage captures Ukrainian aircrews pursuing small unmanned aerial vehicles and firing rifles and shotguns from their aircraft in attempts to destroy the incoming threats. Several engagements reportedly end with drones exploding in midair or crashing to the ground after being struck. The operations demonstrate an unconventional approach to countering aerial threats, using Yak-52 aircraft originally designed as Soviet-era training planes for a role beyond their traditional purpose. Rather than relying exclusively on expensive air defense systems, Ukrainian forces are adapting available aviation platforms to help address the growing challenge posed by relatively inexpensive attack drones.

The tactic highlights Ukraine’s continuing efforts to develop flexible and cost-conscious methods of protecting its airspace as Russian drone attacks remain a significant battlefield concern. Small attack drones can threaten military positions, infrastructure, and other targets, creating pressure on conventional air defense networks to respond to repeated incursions. Using light propeller aircraft for interception offers another potential layer of defense, although the approach depends on operational conditions, aircraft capabilities, and the type of drone being targeted. The newly released footage provides a glimpse into how Ukrainian aviation units are experimenting with unconventional equipment and tactics to counter unmanned aerial threats. While Yak-52 aircraft cannot replace advanced radar networks or modern missile-based air defense systems, their reported use illustrates how older platforms can be adapted to meet emerging military challenges.