Ukraine: Shooting Down Drones with a Rifle from Soviet-Era Open Cockpit Yak-52
September 2nd, 2026Via: The War Zone:
The interception process involves the crew waiting close to their Yak-52 while awaiting the order to scramble. Once a Russian drone is spotted on air defense sensors, the Yak is normally airborne within 15 minutes.
With no radar and apparently no other onboard sensors, the Yak-52 crew relies on radio commands from the ground to get close to the drone. From the open rear cockpit, the gunner then gets the drone in their sights, wielding a handheld gun. Typically, engagements are made from a distance of 200 to 300 feet.
