A video released on 8/8 shows a Zlin Z-137 agricultural aircraft flying low over a Ukrainian cornfield. The aircraft is painted gray with two white stripes on the tail to reduce the risk of friendly fire.

Under each wing, the Z-137 carries a pylon equipped with an R-73 air-to-air missile. This missile, usually found on Su-37 or MiG-29 fighter jets, can hit head-on targets from a range of 30 km and pursue targets up to 14 km away.

The Zlin Z-137, also known as the Zlin Z-37, was manufactured in Czechoslovakia from 1965 to 1987, with over 710 units produced. This agricultural aircraft is primarily used for spraying pesticides, spreading fertilizers, or sowing seeds, and can reach a top speed of 210 km/h.

"A crop duster carrying air-to-air missiles is one of Ukraine's most striking anti-drone solutions to date," observed Thomas Newdick, editor of the military website War Zone. "This adaptation demonstrates how Ukraine continues to develop improvised air defense systems and utilize older missile stockpiles."

It remains unclear how the pilots of the Z-137 would target drones. The aircraft in the video doesn't appear to be equipped with sensors for target detection and missile guidance.

"Without sensors, Z-137s armed with R-73s will be primarily daytime assets," Newdick stated. "Night vision goggles could be a workable alternative."

This isn't the first instance of agricultural aircraft being repurposed for military use. Earlier this year, the US Air Force Special Operations Command introduced the OA-1K Skyraider II, a militarized version of the Air Tractor AT-802. The US military plans to acquire 75 OA-1Ks.

The OA-1K boasts a top speed exceeding 390 km/h, a cruising speed of 330 km/h, and a range of over 2,400 km. It features 10 hardpoints that can accommodate AGM-114 missiles, AGR-20 rocket pods, and GBU-12 guided bombs.

Nguyen Tien (According to War Zone, AFP, AP)