Poland has confirmed that it is developing an armed version of the M28 Skytruck utility aircraft for counter-drone missions, drawing direct inspiration from Ukraine’s successful use of the Antonov An-28.
The aircraft is expected to be equipped with cannon armament and used mainly to intercept long-range attack drones, such as the Shahed models used by Russia in the war. The initiative marks an unusual move within NATO, which traditionally relies on fighter jets and more sophisticated air-defense systems for this type of mission.
According to Major General Ireneusz Nowak of the Polish Air Force, the first prototype is already being prepared following the signing of an aircraft modification contract. The M28 has characteristics considered ideal for the role, including the ability to operate from short and improvised runways, something essential in scenarios close to the front line. In Ukraine, the adapted An-28 uses rotary machine guns, infrared sensors and night vision to locate and destroy enemy drones during nighttime operations.
Poland’s concern over the drone threat increased after an incursion last year, when dozens of military drones crossed into the country’s airspace. The episode prompted NATO aircraft to be scrambled and reinforced fears of coordinated attacks involving drones, missiles and decoy targets. In this scenario, Warsaw believes that armed turboprop aircraft could represent a more economical and efficient solution than the constant use of fighter jets and anti-aircraft missiles.
In addition to the M28, Poland also plans to use AH-64E Apache and AW149 helicopters in counter-drone missions, while expanding its air-defense network with new radars, anti-missile systems and directed-energy technologies. The country is also investing in Saab 340 airborne early warning aircraft and aerostat-based surveillance systems to monitor potential threats from its eastern border.
A passenger An-28 aircraft armed with miniguns is shooting down Russian drones over Ukraine, French TF1 got an inside. The crew consists of civilian volunteers who have already destroyed nearly 150 drones during air defense missions. #Ukraine pic.twitter.com/x1E921TPT2
— NOELREPORTS 🇪🇺 🇺🇦 (@NOELreports) February 5, 2026
Source: The War Zone | Photo: X @Poland_MOD | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
