Bars-Sarmat Tests Yak-52 as Interceptor Drone Carrier
Bars-Sarmat tested Yak-52 and An-2 light aircraft as carriers and control platforms for interceptor drones designed to target unmanned aerial threats.
A special aviation unit from the Bars-Sarmat Special Purpose Center has tested light aircraft as carriers for anti-aircraft drones. Specialists at the center began developing the concept in 2025.
Center commander Dmitry Rogozin said the trials involved a Yak-52 training and sport aircraft and an An-2 plane.
Footage published online appears to show the Yak-52 fitted with four high-speed interceptor drones mounted beneath its wings, with two on each side. The second crew member is expected to operate the unmanned aircraft.
Details of the An-2 configuration have not been disclosed, leaving the number of interceptor drones it could carry unknown. The aircraft is also intended to serve as an airborne control platform for unmanned systems.
No official information has been released about the anti-aircraft drones themselves. They are believed to have been developed by Bars-Sarmat specialists.
In appearance, the aircraft resemble Ukraine’s Sting interceptor drones. They feature four propellers, two broad auxiliary wings and a machine-vision system.
Ukrainian forces are also known to use light aircraft to intercept Russian Geran drones.