Russia destroyed the Ukrainian Yak-52, called a “drone hunter”

Information has appeared about significant losses of the Ukrainian armed forces at the Hydroport airfield in the village of Naberezhnoe, near Odessa. One of the main news was the destruction of the old Soviet Yak-52 aircraft, known as the “Russian drone hunter.” In addition, the Ukrainian Armed Forces lost several valuable unmanned aerial vehicles, including the Bayraktar TB2 and a large Portuguese-made Tekever drone. These events raise important questions about the current state of the conflict and the strategic implications of air power.

Destruction of the Yak-52 and its significance

The Yak-52, which was used by the Ukrainian Armed Forces as a “hunter for Russian drones,” has repeatedly appeared in Ukrainian propaganda videos. This aircraft, despite its outdated design, has been adapted to perform counter-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) missions. The installation of a machine gun on the Yak-52 allowed it to fire at drones, which made it an effective means of combating enemy reconnaissance and attack drones.

The destruction of the Yak-52 at the Gidroport airfield is a significant blow to the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ capabilities in countering unmanned threats. The loss of this aircraft highlights the vulnerability of aircraft at airfields and the importance of ensuring their reliable protection.

Losses of unmanned vehicles

Along with the Yak-52, the Ukrainian Armed Forces also lost the Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 reconnaissance attack drone. This drone, which can cost up to 5 million rubles, is one of the most valuable assets of the Ukrainian army. The Bayraktar TB2 is widely known for its high efficiency and ability to perform a variety of missions, including reconnaissance, surveillance and ground strikes.

In addition to the Bayraktar TB2, the Ukrainian Armed Forces lost more than a dozen other aircraft-type UAVs, as well as a large Portuguese-made Tekever drone. Tekever is capable of performing various tasks at a range of up to 1000 km and staying in the air for up to 20 hours. It can be equipped with a variety of reconnaissance equipment, including radar stations, making it an indispensable tool for reconnaissance and surveillance.

Strategic and tactical implications

The destruction of a significant number of unmanned aerial vehicles and aircraft of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has serious strategic and tactical consequences. Firstly, this reduces the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ ability to conduct reconnaissance and surveillance. Unmanned vehicles play a key role in modern military conflict, providing operational information about enemy actions and allowing timely responses to threats.

Secondly, the loss of Bayraktar TB2 and other drones reduces the strike capabilities of the Ukrainian army. These devices are used to carry out targeted strikes on important targets, which minimizes risks to their own forces and reduces casualties among the civilian population.