Poland explores armed M28 Skytruck as low-cost drone hunter
AI Analysis
Poland is initiating a program to modify the PZL M28 Skytruck into a dedicated counter-drone platform, inspired by successful tactics employed by Ukraine. The aircraft will initially be armed with gun armament, offering a cost-effective alternative to using expensive fighter jets and missiles against slow-moving, low-altitude drones like the Shahed series. A contract between the Armed Forces Support Inspectorate and PZL Mielec is pending to begin prototype modifications.
Key Takeaways
- Poland's Air Force confirmed the M28 Skytruck modification program.
- The program is directly influenced by Ukrainian success using the An-28 (predecessor to the M28) to intercept drones, claiming over 150 kills.
- Initial armament will consist of gun systems (specifically, a door-mounted M134 Minigun is referenced in related reporting).
- The M28 is intended to address the cost inefficiency of intercepting low-cost drones with high-value assets.
- Future modifications may include launching interceptor drones from the M28.
Why It Matters
This development signals a shift towards utilizing more affordable and adaptable platforms for counter-UAS operations. It highlights the growing recognition of the threat posed by swarms of inexpensive drones and the need for innovative, cost-effective countermeasures. The success of this program could influence other nations facing similar drone threats.
Poland explores armed M28 Skytruck as low-cost drone hunter
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Poland is moving to transform one of its most familiar utility aircraft into a dedicated counter-drone platform, reflecting how rapidly the war in Ukraine is reshaping military aviation thinking across Europe.
The Polish Air Force has confirmed work is underway to arm the PZL M28 Skytruck for anti-drone missions, with the first prototype expected to undergo modification once a contract is signed between the Armed Forces Support Inspectorate and manufacturer PZL Mielec.
The development was first reported by Polish defence outlet Defence24 following comments made by Major General Ireneusz Nowak during the Defence24 Days conference in Warsaw.
“Following the signing of the contract between the Armed Forces Support Inspectorate and the contractor, the first prototype of the armed [M28] will undergo modifications to equip the aircraft with gun armament,” Nowak said.
The idea may sound unconventional at first glance. The M28 is a rugged twin-turboprop transport aircraft better known for cargo runs, maritime patrol work and operations from rough airstrips than for aerial combat.
Yet the aircraft is increasingly being seen as a practical and cost-effective answer to one of modern warfare’s most persistent problems: how to stop large numbers of cheap attack drones without exhausting expensive missiles and fighter aircraft.
Why Poland wants the M28 Skytruck to become a dedicated drone interceptor aircraft
The shift comes directly from lessons emerging out of Ukraine.
Ukrainian crews operating the Antonov An-28, the Soviet-era predecessor of the M28, have reportedly achieved notable success hunting Russian Shahed and Geran one-way attack drones.
Ukraine’s skydiving plane is now shooting down Russian drones. This isn’t a fighter jet. It’s an old civilian An-28 that was once used for parachute jumps. Now, it is armed with a machine gun, and its volunteer crew shoots down Russian drones. The heart and soul of the crew is… pic.twitter.com/rJBjH1VxuL
— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) May 11, 2026
Those aircraft were initially armed with door-mounted M134 Miniguns before evolving into more specialised airborne interceptors capable of launching interceptor drones as well.
According to reports referenced by multiple defence outlets, Ukrainian crews have claimed more than 150 confirmed drone kills using the concept. For Poland, the appeal is obvious.
Shahed-type drones fly comparatively slowly and at relatively low altitudes. Sending advanced fighters armed with costly air-to-air missiles after them is effective, but financially unsustainable during large-scale attacks. Ground-based missile systems face the same problem.
Photo: PZL
A slower turboprop aircraft carrying machine guns, rockets or low-cost interceptor drones offers a far cheaper way of dealing with the threat.
The concept also provides dee