Two Of These Birds Lost On Christmas After Being Shot Down

In an attempt to find cost-effective answers to military problems, Ukraine has refitted a number of Aeroprakt A-22 LSA designs (Shown below, in civilian configuration) to serve as UAVs... but the last week has not been kind to them.

On Christmas, a modified Aeroprakt A-22 Foxbat light sport aircraft was shot down by Russian air-defence forces in Grozny, Republic of Chechnya. The aircraft had been used as an ersatz unmanned attack aircraft. The aircraft was reportedly intercepted using a Pantsir air defence system as it approached the western suburbs of the city, travelling on easterly bearing. Heavy fog was present around the city at the time.

On the same day, another modified Aeroprakt A-22 Foxbat light sport aircraft was shot down by Russian air-defence forces in Malgobek, Republic of Ingushetia. The aircraft had also been used as an ersatz unmanned attack aircraft.

The Aeroprakt A-22 has a range of nearly 700 miles. Other interceptions of Aeroprakt aircraft in Russian airspace revealed that these aircraft were likely being used for clandestine missions, operating from the NE of Ukraine, about 1,200km from the site of the attack. These aircraft are chosen due to their small size, short-field performance, and small radar cross section.

At least three other such aircraft have been lost in the last few months under similar circumstances. 

The A-22 is usually known as the Valor in the United States, the Foxbat in the UK and Australia, and the Sharik in Ukraine. 

FMI: https://aeroprakt.kiev.ua/aircraft/a-22ls/