A modernized light aircraft of the type Z-137 Agroturbo, equipped with air-air missiles, is spotted during operations in Ukrainian airspace and marks a new approach to the country’s air defense.
Images shared by local residents show the Czechoslovaks designed turboprop model, originally intended for civil use, now converted for air interception. The hull bears the typical marking of the Ukrainian military aviation-two diagonal white stripes on the tail-and has an AKU-73 launch device that can fire short-range missiles of the R-73 type.
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The R-73, with an autonomous infrared conducting system, requires no integration with the on-board radar, but only power supply and a connection to the launch control. At the time of launch, the rocket head locks on the target via thermal contrast.
According to experts, these adjusted aircraft, with a top speed of 200 to 250 km/h, are primarily intended to intercept Russian Kamikazedrones and reconnaissance UAVs. The pilots can be controlled from command posts that receive data from ground radars and give instructions on height and intercept route.
The strategy to use turboprops in these operations is aimed at releasing combat aircraft for more complex missions, while the range of air defense is increased.
The supreme commander of the armed forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyj, emphasized all the importance of this innovation:
“One of the promising areas in the fight against Shaheds is the use of light aircraft. We already have them, and new projects are being carried out with financial and material support from our foreign partners. We have received modern light motorcycle aircraft with advanced armament and navigation systems, which will increase our effectiveness against Russian attack drones.”
Source and images: militarnyi | Telegram @TyskNIP | Instagram @militaranalysis. This content was created with the help of AI and controlled by the editors.
