Ukraine’s Modified Sport Plane Drone Strikes Russian Naval Base 700 Miles from Front Lines

A modified Aeroprakt A-22 sport plane, converted into a long-range drone and carrying explosives, struck Russian naval vessels at a Caspian Fleet base in Kaspiysk, Dagestan – approximately 700 miles from Ukraine‘s frontlines, according to a report from Anton Gerashchenko, former advisor to Ukraine’s interior ministry.

Significant Naval Damage

The Drone Strike reportedly damaged three Russian warships, including two Gepard-class frigates and a smaller Buyan corvette, potentially impacting up to one-third of the Caspian Fleet’s capabilities. Russian sailors were forced to take cover as the 21-foot drone targeted vessels moored along the pier.

Ukraine’s Growing Drone Arsenal

The A-22 drone program showcases Ukraine’s innovative approach to developing indigenous long-range strike capabilities. These modified sport planes, built in Ukraine, can reach speeds of 100 mph and have demonstrated ranges exceeding 800 miles, as evidenced by a previous strike on an oil refinery in Salavat, Russia, according to Forbes.

New Developments in Drone Technology

Ukraine continues to expand its drone capabilities. The country recently unveiled the Palanytsia “rocket drone,” a turbojet-powered hybrid cruise missile with a 400-mile range. As Ukraine’s Technology Minister Mykhailo Fedorov stated, “I think this will be a game-changer.”

Strategic Importance

The development of these domestically produced drones has become increasingly crucial for Ukraine, especially given restrictions on using Western-provided missiles against targets within Russia. As Samuel Ramani, Oxford University professor, notes, “Right now, there is a lot of uncertainty about Trump’s impact on the Ukraine war,” highlighting the importance of self-reliant defense capabilities.

DroneXL’s Take

From a drone technology perspective, this incident demonstrates the rapid evolution of civilian aircraft conversion into effective military platforms. The success of the A-22 drone program shows how innovative thinking and local manufacturing capabilities can create sophisticated long-range unmanned systems, even without access to traditional military hardware. The development of such capabilities highlights the growing importance of Drone Technology in modern warfare and the potential for civilian aviation platforms to be adapted for various purposes.

What do you think about the conversion of civilian aircraft into long-range drones? Share your thoughts in the comments below.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​