WWI Tactics Take Down Russian Drones

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Key Takeaways:

  • Ukraine is employing unconventional aerial warfare tactics, including a recent incident where a volunteer flying club used a Yak 52 aircraft and small arms to shoot down a Russian Orlan-10 spy drone near Odessa.
  • This particular event involved two individuals in the civilian-grade Yak 52 circling the slower Orlan-10 drone before disabling it.
  • The incident, reminiscent of First World War dogfights, showcases innovative, low-cost methods used to counter an expensive Russian military asset (valued at $87,000-$120,000).
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=el4RH999QSI

Two weeks after Ukraine used a Light Sport aircraft modified as a kamikaze drone to attack a Russian drone factory, video proof of other outside-the-box tactics emerged this week of two guys in a Yak 52 shooting down a Russian drone with small arms. In a scene reminiscent of First World War dogfights, the much faster Yak (top speed about 100 knots) circles the Orlan-10 spy drone with its deployed emergency chute.

The video was shot near Odessa and it was apparently the handiwork of a “Ukrainian volunteer flying club.” According to commenters on the video the drone, which doesn’t carry weapons, is worth between $87,000 and $120,000.

Russ Niles

Russ Niles is Editor-in-Chief of AVweb. He has been a pilot for 30 years and joined AVweb 22 years ago. He and his wife Marni live in southern British Columbia where they also operate a small winery.
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