Ukrainian aerobatic pilot Timur Fatkullin is using his Extra 330LX stunt plane to hunt and shoot down Russian Shahed kamikaze drones [1, 2].

This unconventional approach to air defense highlights the adaptation of civilian aviation technology to counter low-cost, high-impact drone warfare. By utilizing the high maneuverability of a stunt aircraft, Fatkullin provides a specialized layer of protection for critical infrastructure and civilian populations [1, 2].

Fatkullin describes his engagements as air-to-air combat, drawing parallels to the aerial battles of the 1940s. He has reportedly shot down hundreds of Russian drones during the 2025-2026 phase of the invasion [1].

"It’s air-to-air combat, almost like World War Two. It’s a dream job," Fatkullin said [1].

The Extra 330LX is designed for precision aerobatics, allowing the pilot to execute sharp turns and rapid climbs that standard military or civilian aircraft cannot easily replicate. This agility is critical when tracking the flight paths of Shahed drones, which are designed to strike targets with precision [1, 2].

While the Ukrainian military employs various methods to counter these threats, including specialized battalions using shotgun-mounted drones, Fatkullin's efforts represent a unique intersection of sport aviation and military necessity [1, 3]. His operations take place across Ukrainian airspace, primarily in regions most targeted by Russian drone campaigns [1].

These missions are aimed at neutralizing drones before they can reach densely populated areas or energy grids [1, 2]. The use of a private aerobatic plane for such tasks underscores the desperate need for diverse interception methods as the volume of kamikaze drone attacks increases [1].

“"It’s air-to-air combat, almost like World War Two. It’s a dream job."”

The deployment of a stunt pilot for air defense suggests a shift toward asymmetric warfare where civilian agility is used to offset the numerical advantage of automated drone swarms. As Russia continues to utilize Shahed drones to target infrastructure, Ukraine is increasingly relying on non-traditional platforms to fill gaps in conventional air defense coverage.