From Farming to Fighting: The Unexpected Military Makeover of an Agricultural Aircraft in Ukraine
In the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, innovation is not always about high-end technology. Sometimes, defense tactics are improvised using whatever resources are available. Take, for example, an agricultural plane from the 80s that has been repurposed to patrol the skies in search of enemy drones.
From the fields to the skies
The Zlin Z-137 Agro Turbo, originally a Czechoslovak model used for crop spraying, has now been transformed with a military makeover. It is now equipped with two R-73 missiles, one mounted under each wing, with the mission of intercepting Russian drones flying low over Ukrainian territory.
The chosen weapon: the R-73 missile
The R-73 missile, also known as AA-11 Archer by NATO, is a short-range missile known for its maneuverability and ability to engage targets off the frontal axis. With a range of up to 30 km, Ukraine has integrated it into improvised systems like modified Osa vehicles and naval drones.
Adaptations and possibilities
The aircraft’s structure allows for the mounting of other missiles like British ASRAAMs or American Sidewinders, enhancing its versatility as a low-cost experimental platform. The addition of cylindrical tanks under the wings hints at its agricultural past or potential use as auxiliary tanks.
Tactical use and limitations
Despite its slower speed compared to fighter jets, the Z-137 can effectively patrol specific areas and act as an “air picket” against drone threats. Its role complements more advanced systems like the Patriot, which are reserved for larger threats. The strategy is simple: use affordable resources to counter low-cost threats, striking a balance between cost and effectiveness in a prolonged conflict.
A global trend
This transformation of an agricultural plane into a weapon is not unique to Ukraine. The United States has its own OA-1K Skyraider II, a military version of the Air Tractor AT-802, while Russia has experimented with arming slow aircraft as well. As drone threats continue to rise worldwide, even a humble crop duster can unexpectedly turn into a formidable hunter in the sky.
