Ukrainian forces use An-28TD aircraft as drone carrier
Updated
Updated · fw-mag.com · Apr 30
Ukrainian forces use An-28TD aircraft as drone carrier
2 articles · Updated · fw-mag.com · Apr 30
The light twin-turboprop carries up to six P1-SUN interceptor drones, with 15km range, 5,000m ceiling and 15-17 minutes endurance, guided through Ukraine's VIRAZH air-defence network.
Crews use an electro-optical system to find targets, often at night, and the aircraft keeps its 7.62mm Dillon Aero M134D Minigun for layered attacks on Shahed/Geran-type drones.
The adaptation builds on earlier reports of the An-28TD's anti-drone role and reflects Ukraine's low-cost strategy of combining legacy aircraft, acoustic sensors, AI and improvised operations against drone swarms.
As adversaries deploy faster jet-powered drones, can Ukraine's propeller-based interceptor strategy evolve quickly enough to remain effective?
With Ukraine now exporting its anti-drone tech, how will this shift the global balance of power in low-cost aerial warfare?
Transforming Civilian Aircraft: The An-28TD’s Role in Ukraine’s Cost-Effective Counter-Drone Defense with 222+ Kills
Overview
Between 2024 and 2026, Ukraine transformed the civilian An-28TD aircraft into a versatile drone carrier by adding six wing pylons for interceptor drones and retaining a powerful Minigun. Integrated into the AI-driven VIRAZH air defense network, this platform enabled coordinated detection and engagement of hostile drones, achieving over 222 confirmed kills by mid-2026. The use of low-cost, 3D-printed drones like the SkyFall P1-SUN made the system scalable and cost-effective, while specially trained volunteer crews ensured operational success. Despite vulnerabilities in contested airspace, the An-28TD’s innovative design and tactics have influenced global defense strategies and accelerated the shift toward autonomous drone swarms.