Ukraine Backseat Gunner Shoots Down Russian Drone in Midair - Internewscast Journal

Ukraine’s backseat gunner footage shows a Ukrainian rear-seat shooter from a Yak-52 firing an assault rifle at incoming Iranian-made Shahed drones as the aircraft closed in. The video shows the co-pilot positioned behind the pilot, aiming from an exposed cockpit area, and then firing; smoke is seen trailing from a drone’s right wing, followed by an explosion over the sea. Additional clips depict the gunner targeting other drones, with some bursting into flames or detonating after impacts. The Shahed drones have been among Iran’s most significant contributions to Vladimir Putin’s war effort, including repeated attacks across Ukraine. The footage emerged as Russia faced a new wave of long-range Ukrainian strikes, including an attack reported to have targeted a base associated with Russia’s nuclear missile forces in the Saratov region. The nearby Engels-2 airbase hosts strategic nuclear-capable bombers used to launch Kh-101 missile strikes, and there were no reported casualties at the airbase. The reporting also cites Ukrainian intelligence warning of a possible major Russian mobilization draft in September or October.