Ukraine Starts Using Light-Engine Ersatz Fighters

A modernized Z-137 Agro Turbo light aircraft equipped with air-to-air missiles was spotted in the Ukrainian sky.

The footage of the plane’s flight was posted by local residents.

The Czechoslovakian-made Z-137 civilian turboprop aircraft was converted to perform air defense missions. Its tail section was marked with a typical army aviation insignia of two white transverse stripes.

Two AKU-73 pylons were mounted under the wings of the aircraft, which made it possible to use R-73 short-range air-to-air missiles.

The use of R-73 missiles from non-designated aircraft is possible due to its complete autonomy as it does not require complex integration with the radar or central radar of the aircraft. It uses an infrared guidance system to track the target.

In fact, to equip any platform with this missile, it is necessary to bring power and a channel to the launcher to transmit the launch command. When the latter is used, the missile head itself ‘captures’ a heat-contrasting object.

The search for targets by such an aircraft can be carried out with the help of officers at the combat control center, who have access to information from ground radars and can adjust the direction and altitude of the pilot’s flight.

Given the type of weaponry and the aircraft’s ability to reach speeds of 200-250 km/h, the tasks of such a combat unit could include intercepting Russian attack drones and tactical reconnaissance UAVs.

The use of turboprop aircraft for such tasks can significantly increase the capabilities of the Air Force, as well as unload full-fledged fighters for higher priority tasks.

Earlier, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi announced the introduction of light aircraft to the Armed Forces to counter drones:

“One of the most promising ways of countering Shahed drones is the use of light aircraft. We have it, and we have new projects with financial and material assistance from our foreign partners. This area will continue to develop. We are receiving modern light aircraft with modern weapons and navigation equipment, which will increase the effectiveness of countering Russian attack drones,” he said.

In June, Militarnyi reported that Ukraine had received the first light-engine electronic warfare aircraft designed to fight Shahed drones.