VIDEO: Ukrainians use First World War methods to fight Russian drones

An open cockpit, an automatic rifle and a Soviet-era propeller plane: Ukrainian crews are using methods that appear more suited to the First World War to hunt Russian drones.

The pilot sits in the front cabin while the gunner takes position behind him. Both search the sky for a target. Once they spot one and receive the order to destroy it, the pilot maneuvers the aircraft as the gunner aims and fires.

Stanislav, who pilots one of the old Yak aircraft, told Radio Free Europe that he had not imagined this when he was a boy dreaming of a military aviation career. He joined the war as a volunteer after leaving his life abroad. He survived the defense of Bakhmut and fighting in the Sumy region before the military decided to use his civilian aviation skills.

He initially served as an airborne gunner. His record is 12 drones shot down in a single day, including six on one flight. The command later concluded that he had enough knowledge and skill to become a pilot as well.

The unit operates three aircraft purchased with money donated by a Netherlands-based aid organization. The first cost 78,000 euros. Stanislav says the approach is highly economical because the light aircraft use little fuel and are easy to maintain.

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I did not imagine my career as a military pilot this way when I was a boy.