Ukraine uses vintage aircraft for drone defense amid European logistics security threats

Ukrainian forces are utilizing vintage Soviet-era Yak-52 propeller aircraft to intercept Russian drones. Crews from the 11th Separate Army Aviation Brigade “Kherson” operate these planes with an open cockpit, where a gunner uses an automatic rifle to target aerial threats. This method is noted for being fuel-efficient and easy to maintain. The aircraft were purchased using donations from a Netherlands-based aid organization, with the first plane costing approximately 78,000 euros.

Security concerns have also escalated at Leipzig/Halle Airport in Germany, a critical logistics hub for European military support to Ukraine. Recent incidents involved the discovery of armed drones near runways and a cargo plane potentially colliding with a drone, forcing an emergency landing. Investigators also found a third drone loaded with military explosives nearby. These incidents follow previous attempts to use incendiary devices hidden in cargo shipments at the same airport.