Russian forces are using more than ground-based air defenses to counter heavy Ukrainian drones. Combat aircraft and helicopters are also being brought in to intercept such targets, and they have already shown results as UAV hunters.

Su-30SM and Su-30SM2 fighters, Su-35 aircraft and fifth-generation Su-57 fighters have all been used for these missions. According to Rossiyskaya Gazeta, these aircraft successfully detected and destroyed aerial targets. Mi-28N attack helicopters and Ka-52 helicopters have also performed well in the same role.

Russian MiG-29 fighters may also have been involved in similar operations earlier, although no photo or video evidence of such episodes had appeared before. Recently, Fighterbomber published an image of one of these aircraft. The MiG-29 was fitted with air-to-air missiles equipped with heat-seeking guidance. One such missile was used against a Ukrainian An-196 Lyuty drone.

The MiG-29’s capabilities are not limited to missiles. Its targeting equipment also allows the pilot to use a 30 mm automatic cannon, which is known for its high firing accuracy.

The Su-57 is a Russian fifth-generation multirole fighter designed to strike aerial, ground and surface targets. It can maintain supersonic cruising speed and carries weapons in internal fuselage bays. The aircraft also has radar-absorbing coating and an advanced onboard avionics suite. Thanks to its intelligent systems, the fighter can take over some tasks, including piloting and preparing weapons for use.

The Mi-28N Night Hunter is a two-seat combat helicopter designed for round-the-clock operations. Based on the Mi-28 platform, it is used to search for and destroy tanks, other armored vehicles, slow-moving aerial targets and enemy personnel. Its export version is known as the Mi-28NE. The Night Hunter’s main advantage is its ability to operate at night, including in complete darkness, as well as in difficult weather conditions.