In a late‑August video celebrating Moscow’s new anti‑drone strategy, Russian media inadvertently disclosed key details about aircraft origins and airport upgrades near the front.
Video Reveals Sensitive Operational Details
Russian outlets released a clip lauding an apparently innovative approach to neutralising long‑range drones. The focus of the praise was a Yak‑52 aircraft, tail number RA‑1874G, operated by the Bars‑Sarmat squadron. Intelligence gathered by Defense Express indicates that this aircraft likely departs from the private Korsak airfield, situated roughly 20 km southeast of Melitopol.
Airfield Upgrade Near Frontlines
Satellite imagery between 30 August and 7 September shows that the asphalt runway at the Korsak airfield has been renewed and widened. The airfield sits only 80 km from the front, making it a strategic asset for counter‑drone operations against Ukrainian forces. OSINT analysis points to the Yak‑52 continuously operating out of this upgraded base, near the village of Priazowskie.
Improvised Anti‑Drone Solutions
Beyond the Yak‑52, Russian forces reportedly employ light Cessna 172 aircraft fitted with machine‑gun mounts for drone suppression. According to Defense Express, these aircraft are stationed in Crimea. Experts argue that this makeshift approach reflects desperation and a lack of better alternatives, while Ukrainian analysts note that it merely adapts previously used concepts.
