Russia turns civilian planes into drone hunters using WWII-era guns

Russia has adapted civilian Cessna 172 aircraft into airborne drone hunters by mounting Soviet-era PKT machine guns, originally designed for armored vehicles, along with fire-control targeting systems. These modified planes, operated by a two-person crew, patrol vulnerable regions to intercept slow-moving Ukrainian drones that have increasingly penetrated Russian airspace. The initiative is part of a broader, nationwide network of improvised counter-drone efforts aimed at supplementing Russia’s conventional air defenses, which have struggled to economically and effectively counter the persistent long-range UAV attacks on critical infrastructure such as oil depots and military bases. This unconventional tactic mirrors similar strategies employed by Ukraine, which has used small civilian aircraft for rapid drone detection and response. The use of lightweight, low-cost aircraft like the Cessna 172 reflects the resource strain on Russia’s traditional air defense systems and highlights a shift toward distributed, economical solutions in drone warfare. While Russian state media presents this program as a sign of innovation and resilience, independent analysts question its effectiveness