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Russia Converts American-Made Cessna Aircraft Into Low-Cost Anti-Drone Fighters

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Ivan Khomenko
News Writer
A modified Russian Cessna light aircraft with dual machine guns mounted beneath the fuselage, prepared for anti-drone operations. (Source: Rossiya 1)
A modified Russian Cessna light aircraft with dual machine guns mounted beneath the fuselage, prepared for anti-drone operations. (Source: Rossiya 1)

Russia has converted light civilian aircraft into improvised drone interceptors, equipping Cessna planes with machine guns to counter Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), according to footage aired by Russian state TV Rossiya 1 in October 15.

The report showed modified Cessna aircraft outfitted with dual machine guns mounted beneath the fuselage. Inside the cockpit, targeting and sighting systems have been installed to improve the accuracy of engaging low-flying aerial targets.

These adaptations are aimed at addressing the challenge of detecting and neutralizing UAVs flying autonomously at low altitudes—typically between 80 and 150 meters—where conventional air defense systems often struggle.

While ground-based radars may detect such drones, destroying them typically requires missiles, artillery, or small arms fire, all of which have limited effectiveness in these scenarios.

According to Rossiya 1, Russia recently formed a dedicated aviation unit named “Bars-Sarmat” tasked with intercepting long-range Ukrainian drones deep inside Russian territory. This new unit is reportedly equipped with Soviet-era Yak-18T and Yak-52 light aircraft, in addition to the modified Cessnas.

Cessna aircraft are light, single- or twin-engine planes originally designed in the United States for civilian aviation, flight training, and private use.

Their relatively low stall speed—typically around 50 to 65 knots (90 to 120 km/h)—and high maneuverability at low altitudes make them suitable for visually detecting and pursuing slow-moving drones.

A St Barth Commuter Cessna 208B Grand Caravan landing at Princess Juliana Airport over Maho Beach, Guadeloupe, December 2016. Illustrative photo. (Source: Getty Images)
A St Barth Commuter Cessna 208B Grand Caravan landing at Princess Juliana Airport over Maho Beach, Guadeloupe, December 2016. Illustrative photo. (Source: Getty Images)

Most models feature fixed landing gear, high wings for improved visibility, and simple avionics, with a cruising speed of approximately 110 to 140 knots (200 to 260 km/h) and operational ceilings up to 13,000 feet (4,000 meters).

Due to their simple design and widely available components, Cessna aircraft can be easily modified for rear-area patrol missions and aerial surveillance.

Earlier, Russia began deploying Yak-52 trainer aircraft to intercept drones, replicating tactics first used by Ukraine. Footage showed armed gunners aboard Yak-52s engaging low-speed UAVs—a method reminiscent of early 20th‑century aerial combat.

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