A-22 ultralight aircraft are now being used in Ukraine to intercept Russian drones, offering a cost-effective and innovative air defence solution.

Ukraine has introduced the use of A-22 ultralight aircraft to intercept Russian drones. These aircraft, which are relatively cheap and easy to fly, are equipped with snipers that shoot down enemy drones in flight. This approach offers a cost-effective and flexible solution to airborne threats, filling the gaps left by traditional defence systems that are often expensive or in short supply. The initiative is part of a wider strategy to protect critical infrastructure from coordinated drone attacks.

An ultralight aircraft for drone hunting

Ukraine recently began using ultralight aircraft to intercept Russian drones. These aircraft, of the Aeroprakt A-22 type, are equipped with snipers that shoot down enemy drones in mid-air. This model of aircraft, also known as the Foxbat, is manufactured in Ukraine and is available in factory-assembled or kit versions. The A-22 was chosen for its stability in flight, ease of piloting and relatively low cost, around €32,000.

With a range of 1,094 kilometres, the A-22 offers sufficient endurance for drone patrols. Its spacious, glass cockpit offers excellent visibility and an ideal field of fire for the sniper. These features make the A-22 a suitable candidate for drone-hunting missions, a task that requires great precision and close coordination between pilot and gunner.

The tactic of the armed ultralight

The concept of using a sniper aboard an ultralight aircraft to shoot down drones is a tactical innovation that stems from Ukraine’s unconventional efforts to counter Russian air threats. A recent video shows a sniper shooting down a drone with an automatic rifle from an A-22. This type of mission involves precise coordination, with the sniper aiming from the left wing position, while the pilot manoeuvres the aircraft to place the drone in the line of fire.

This tactic meets an urgent need for effective and economical solutions to the proliferation of Russian reconnaissance drones. Traditional air defence systems, such as man-portable air defence systems (MANPADS) and Patriot defence systems, are either too few in number or too expensive to be used systematically against drones. Armed ultralight aircraft fill this gap by offering a flexible and mobile option for intercepting drones.

The cost of innovation

The acquisition and adaptation of the A-22s for drone hunting represents a relatively modest investment compared with the costs of advanced air defence systems. Each aircraft was purchased thanks to donations from volunteers, to the tune of around €32,000. This community initiative underlines the commitment and creativity of Ukrainians in the defence of their country.

Equipping these aircraft with Malyuk rifles, widely used by Ukrainian special forces, adds an extra dimension to their interception capability. The Malyuk, a bullpup rifle, is compact and well suited to the confined spaces of the A-22 cockpit. With a weight of 3.8 kilograms and an overall length of 71 centimetres, it offers optimum manoeuvrability for the sniper in flight.

The impact of Russian drones

Russian drones play a crucial role in the reconnaissance and targeting of Ukrainian infrastructure. During the recent ballistic attacks on Ukrainian air bases, reconnaissance drones were used to locate targets for several hours before providing coordinates for missile strikes. These drones, such as the Orlan, ZALA and SuperCam models, represent a constant threat to the security of strategic installations.

In response, the use of ultralight aircraft for drone hunting offers an additional defence against these threats. Air patrols can detect and intercept drones before they provide crucial intelligence for enemy strikes. This proactive approach to air defence helps to reduce the risk of coordinated attacks on vital infrastructure.

Consequences and outlook

The introduction of A-22s for drone hunting in Ukraine represents a significant advance in air defence. However, this strategy also presents challenges. The precision required to shoot down a drone in flight from an aircraft requires extensive training for pilots and gunners. In addition, rapid detection and prioritisation of targets remain crucial to the effectiveness of this method.

In the long term, the success of this initiative could inspire other countries to adopt similar solutions for their own air defences. The Ukrainian innovation in the use of armed ultralight aircraft demonstrates how unconventional approaches can fill the gaps in traditional defence systems. This flexible and cost-effective strategy could become a model for combating asymmetric air threats around the world.

Ukraine continues to push back the limits of military innovation to defend its territory. The use of ultralight aircraft to hunt down drones is a striking example of this ingenuity. By combining limited resources with innovative strategic thinking, Ukraine is showing how pragmatic solutions can provide effective responses to complex and evolving threats.

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