Recently, footage began circulating of an unidentified propeller-driven aircraft clearly modified for shooting down drones. It was later identified as a Czech agricultural turboprop, the Moravan Z-137 Agro Turbo.
To engage targets, this "crop duster" has been fitted with pylons carrying R-73 air-to-air missiles. This upgrade enables it to take down not only reconnaissance drones but also Shahed drones and even cruise missiles. Of course, the aircraft cannot outrun a cruise missile, which is nearly three times faster. However, on a head-on course, it could still have enough time to lock on and fire an R-73.
Read more: Ukraine is Developing Missiles with 100 km and 300+ km Range as Alternative to UAVs
The Moravan Z-137 Agro Turbo’s specifications include a top speed of 285 km/h, a service ceiling of 5,500 meters, a range of 641 km, and a maximum takeoff weight of around 2,500 kg. Only a few dozen remain in existence worldwide, as production ended years ago.
Previously, Ukraine had repurposed Yak-52 aircraft for drone interception — in those cases, a passenger would open the cockpit canopy mid-flight and fire an automatic shotgun. russia has taken a similar approach, mounting a shotgun and an optical sighting station on an aircraft wing.
When it comes to mounting missiles on such light aircraft, this appears to be a first for Ukraine. However, similar adaptations have been made on other platforms before. The Osa air defense system, the Magura V5 naval drone, and an HMMWV from Ukraine’s 3rd Army Corps have all been equipped with the same R-73 missiles, meaning the targeting and launch systems had already been tested.
Another video featuring the Z-137 suggests it either took off directly from a roadway or flew extremely low over it. Most likely, it was the former, since the aircraft can take off from flat fields, making the use of a road unnecessary.
Overall, the growing integration of R-73 missiles across multiple platforms suggests that Ukraine either possesses a substantial stockpile or has secured significant additional supplies from abroad.
Read more: What is the Ukrainian Chief-1 UAS and How Does It Fight russian Drones
