"Kurusnik" against "Shahanedov": How Ukraine has received a new solution for the air defense system
How did the civil aircraft turn into a Shakhad drone disposal tool? What are the possibilities of new weapons? What does Ukrainians have the intrusion against the backdrop of limited weapons of weapons? According to Osinters from the TYSK group in the telegram, on August 8, 2025, new footage appeared, which recorded one of the most unusual solutions of air defense of Ukraine today is the "corn" Zlin Z-137 Agro Turbo, equipped with two rockets of "air-air".
This aircraft points to Kyiv's current strategy to adapt the available civilian platforms to the improvised systems of counteracting the growing threat of slow, low-flying UAVs, such as Russian Shahd/Geran-2. The new development also proves that Ukraine is able to use old missile reserves according to innovative trends in the field of air defense.
Focus translated the material of the Army Recognition portal about how Ukraine has gone by restrictions and problems with the provision of aviation and air defense aids and how the civilian aircraft to combat Shahhadami of the Russian Federation. The Zlin Z-137, the Czechoslovak Turboogvinto aircraft, represented in the 1980s, was designed to work on small speeds and low altitudes, making it an ideal platform for the UAV with similar flight profiles.
The variant of the aircraft, shown in the video, received a military gray color with white distinctive stripes on the fuselage to reduce the risk of friendly fire. Its weapon consists of one R-73 rocket under each wing supplemented with two cylindrical stores installed on board, which can be fuel tanks or the remains of his former "corn" career.
The P-73 rocket, or AA-11 Archer, by NATO classification, P-73 rocket, or AA-11 Archer by NATO classification, is a low-range rocket with a high reference angle capable of impressing targets at angles up to 75 degrees, which provides it with flexibility in the fight against maneuver. This rocket served as the main small range interceptor on the MiG-29 and Su-27 fighters, and lately on impromptu ground and marine platforms, such as Gravehawk, modified 9K33 "OSA" and Marine Dragon SEA.
The use of Ukrainian missiles P-73 from unconventional launches is part of a broader operational scheme, which has been observed since the beginning of a full-scale war. Although the MiG-29 and Su-27 fighters remain the main carriers, these missiles have been successfully integrated into mobile SPRs and even into drones, and made confirmed lesions of the Russian Mi-8 helicopters over the Black Sea.
The Z-137 conversion fits into this row: it is an inexpensive glider with minimal requirements for the runway, which can patrol the airspace and respond to the invasion of drones without engaging expensive fighters. Compared to specially designed UAV systems, such as American Vampire, which uses cheaper laser missiles with APKWS, armed "Corus" costs more expensive for one shot, but potentially faster in sale.
This adaptation is also reminiscent of OA-1K Skyraider II, developed by the US Air Force special operations and created on the basis of AIR TRACTOR AT-802, although the US program is still designed for simple shock tasks, observation and intelligence, rather than specific goals of the drones. The strategic consequences of this conversion go beyond its direct tactical role.
Having converted an outdated agricultural aircraft into a valid combat platform, Ukraine demonstrates both allies and opponents that it can use any available asset to support its defense. From a geopolitical point of view, such improvisations emphasize the ability of Kiev to asymmetric adaptation - a quality that complicates Russian operational planning, creating unconventional air threats that are difficult to predict.
In the military sense, it also serves in favor of the concept of integration of valuable missiles into inexpensive aircraft - a model that can inspire other countries that face unmanned threats but do not have enough fighters. In operation, Ukraine's R-73 deployment on manned aircraft, land vehicles and marine drones illustrates the unique diversification of missiles that has no analogues in current conflicts.
The Ukrainian Modification Z-137 embodies the reality of wartime, in which the need forces to introduce unconventional innovations, transforming an outdated agricultural aircraft into a functional element of the country air defense network. Regardless of whether it will eventually participate in hostilities or remain experimental, this project reflects a wider scheme of adaptation of R-73 missiles for use in fighters, improvised terrestrial systems and marine drones.
The use of this approach to low-cost and low-speed turbovine aircraft indicates that any available aircraft, from high-tech reactive to agricultural "cornflowers", can be redefined to combat modern air threats. This will not only complicate planning for Russia, but also serve as an example for other countries looking for adapted antitrone struggle solutions.