Poland May Convert Cargo Planes into Drone Hunters to Spare F-16 Jets

The Polish Armed Forces are currently evaluating a proposal to transform the PZL M28 Skytruck, a domestically produced transport aircraft, into a specialized interceptor designed to shoot down low-speed drones.

This initiative, presented by PZL Mielec, aims to equip existing cargo planes with machine guns, advanced sensors, and guided missiles to create an additional layer of air defense, according to Army Recognition on March 26.

By using these modified aircraft, Poland hopes to increase its operational endurance and intercept capabilities while saving its fleet of F-16 and F-35 fighter jets for high-priority missions.

The M28 gunship would be tasked with destroying loitering munitions and reconnaissance drones that fly at relatively low speeds and altitudes.

Modern supersonic fighters are often considered unsuitable for these tasks, as they are optimized for air superiority rather than chasing targets moving at 100 to 200 km/h. Using high-end jets for such missions quickly exhausts flight hours, fuel, and expensive missile stocks.

The proposed conversion would turn the M28 into a persistent interceptor that can patrol specific sectors for long periods. The configuration includes M134 7.62mm miniguns mounted in the side doors, capable of firing up to 6,000 rounds per minute to hit small targets.

A 12.7mm heavy machine gun in the rear would provide more range and power for larger drones. This setup relies on onboard gunners working with the pilot to maintain visual contact and adjust fire in real time.

The strategy draws inspiration from combat practices seen during Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, where adapted aircraft like the An-28 and Yak-52 have reportedly shot down over a hundred drones.

Technological upgrades for the M28 include a stabilized, remotely controlled 12.7mm turret and an electro-optical sensor in the nose for day and night operations.

These tools allow for 360-degree fire coverage. The plane could also carry 70mm guided rockets and 20mm cannon pods to engage targets from a distance or during head-on interceptions.

These modifications could potentially reduce the time needed to reach operational readiness from years to weeks by using the existing fleet of more than 25 aircraft already in service.

The M28 Skytruck is well-suited for this role due to its short takeoff and landing capabilities, allowing it to operate from runways as short as 500 meters.

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Its maintenance costs and fuel consumption are significantly lower than those of jet fighters, allowing for more frequent missions. To be successful, the M28 would be integrated into Poland’s wider air defense network using Link-16 data links and encrypted communication systems.

Deployment plans suggest placing these planes in eastern and northeastern Poland to create overlapping defense zones against incoming threats.

The Polish military raised its combat readiness and deployed fighter jets in response to a Russian missile strike on Ukrainian territory. Ground-based intelligence and air defense systems were placed on high alert while Polish and allied aircraft began operating within the country's airspace.

These preventive measures aimed to secure the airspace, particularly in regions adjacent to the threatened areas. The military continued to monitor long-range aviation and reconnaissance activities to ensure the situation remained under control and to protect the borders from potential incursions.

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