The Wall Street Journal reported the information.Ukrainian pilots are successfully intercepting Russian drones using modified Yak-52 training aircraft equipped with machine guns. One such crew from the 11th Army Aviation Brigade consists of 56-year-old pilot Maestro and 36-year-old gunner Ninja, a former auto mechanic who operates the aircraft's weaponry.According to the report, these unconventional hunter teams have achieved remarkable success rates. A single crew completed 300 combat missions last year, successfully downing 60 unmanned aircraft of various types. The squadron, comprising approximately 20 such pilots, accounts for 10-12% of all Russian drone intercepts, according to Deputy Commander Mykola Lykhatskyi of the 11th Brigade.The primary targets for these propeller-driven aircraft include Russian Orlan and Zala reconnaissance drones, as well as Shahed attack drones. The relatively slow speed of these unmanned systems—up to 185 km/h—makes them vulnerable to the Yak-52, which can reach speeds of nearly 300 km/h.The hunting technique involves approaching within 60-90 meters of the target drone, at which point the gunner opens the aircraft window and engages with machine gun fire. However, these aircraft operate without radar systems and conduct missions only during daylight hours.The dangerous nature of these operations became evident when Russian air defense missiles targeted the squadron's aircraft, forcing emergency evasive maneuvers. The risks extend beyond aerial combat, as Russia has specifically targeted the bases housing these units. The squadron suffered a significant loss when Commander Kostiantyn Oborin, who also served as director of the Odesa Aviation Club, was killed in a Russian ballistic missile strike on their facility."We have to use everything we have available," Maestro explained, highlighting Ukraine's resourceful approach to countering Russia's extensive drone campaign.