Videos circulating online show a low-flying biplane passing over an oil refinery in Salavat, Russia. At first, people thought it was a Ukrainian drone attack. But the plane in the footage doesn’t look like a modern drone—it resembles the vintage An-2 biplane, a design that dates back to 1947. While the exact purpose of the plane’s flight remains a mystery, the incident highlights how this old-fashioned aircraft is still relevant, even in modern warfare.
What Happened in Salavat?
The videos, which spread across social media, show a plane with the signature wing shape and engine sound of an An-2. Anti-aircraft guns were seen firing at it, creating a dramatic scene. Salavat is located deep in Russia, about 720 miles from Ukraine’s border and even farther from the war’s frontlines. This makes it unlikely for a traditional drone to have traveled that far without being noticed. However, Ukraine has a history of modifying aircraft for long-range attacks, raising the possibility that this An-2 could have been converted into a kamikaze drone.
Why the An-2?
The An-2, nicknamed “Colt” by NATO, is a seemingly outdated plane, but its simplicity makes it surprisingly effective. It can fly very low and slow, avoiding radar detection. Its lightweight design and large interior space also make it perfect for carrying extra fuel or even explosives, making it a great candidate for conversion into an unmanned weapon.
This isn’t the first time the An-2 has been considered for military purposes. In 2020, Azerbaijan used these planes during its conflict with Armenia. They were modified to fly on autopilot, acting as decoys to trick enemy air defenses. Pilots would set the plane on course and parachute out, leaving it to continue as a distraction. The planes would either get shot down or crash, forcing Armenian forces to reveal their positions.
Russia and the An-2
After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, there were reports of Russian forces gathering An-2s, possibly to use them in a similar way. However, there’s no evidence that these planes have been deployed in combat yet.
China has also adapted its own version of the An-2, called the Y-5, into unmanned cargo planes. While these are marketed for civilian use, their design could easily serve military purposes.
Why Is This Plane Still in Use?
Despite being over 75 years old, the An-2 has unique qualities that keep it in service. Its fabric-covered wings give it a small radar signature, making it hard to detect. It can also take off and land in very short spaces, including unpaved fields or highways. These features make it useful for military operations, such as dropping troops behind enemy lines.
Even NATO members, like Latvia and South Korea, still use the An-2 for training and other purposes. North Korea, meanwhile, has a fleet of An-2s specifically for deploying commandos during wartime.
The Bigger Picture
Whether or not the plane over Salavat was part of a Ukrainian attack, the incident shows how even old technologies can still play a role in modern conflicts. The An-2, with its simple design and surprising adaptability, continues to prove its worth decades after it first took to the skies.
This mysterious flight reminds us that in war, it’s not always the most advanced weapons that have the biggest impact. Sometimes, a 1940s biplane can still steal the show.
