Ukraine was spotted to be arming a light utility aircraft with interceptor UAVs as a new method of utilising converted commercial aircraft in airborne C-UAS.
Ukrainian Chairman of the Kyiv Oblast State Administration Mykola Kalashnyk shared images of a light utility aircraft fitted with interceptor UAVs on his Telegram channel.
Kalashnyk stated that after the surface-to-air use of interceptor UAVs, the new method of air-to-air use through light aircraft is being implemented to protect Kyiv.
Previously, Ukraine has used more conventional armament, such as machine guns and sometimes air-to-air missiles from light utility aircraft types, including crop dusters. However, guns have a limited range, and missiles are not economical against targets like Geran kamikaze UAVs.
Being cheaper and lighter than even MANPADS-class missiles, interceptor UAVs also possess the advantage of a wider window for manoeuvres and re-engagement capability in the case of a miss. Use from aircraft adds the advantage of being at altitude and gaining a high initial velocity from the get-go, which can provide an edge when it comes to quick response against kamikaze waves, which have been among the primary sources of damage to the infrastructure and civilian areas in the war.
On the other hand, light utility aircraft that can be acquired on the civilian market are quicker to acquire and easier to operate compared to fighter jets, which can be reserved to operate against Russian aircraft or cruise missiles, thanks to the light aircraft providing cover against kamikaze UAVs.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor: Özgür Ekşi
