Ukraine Just Turned the Terminator Gun Into a Drone Killer

Ukrainian forces have begun mounting six-barrel M134 Miniguns and upgraded targeting gear on both river patrol boats as part of a push to blunt attack drone strikes, according to an Army TV report on October 18.

Army TV’s report shows a Ukrainian riverine patrol craft fitted with an electrically driven M134 Minigun. The rotary weapon—fed by 7.62×51 mm NATO ammunition and capable of firing roughly 2,000–6,000 rounds per minute depending on configuration—has been adapted for modern coastal patrol roles, including short-range ship defense and shooting down incoming Shahed-type drones.

The M134, a General Electric design from the early 1960s, became widely known from movies such as Predator, Terminator 2, and The Matrix.

In the hands of Ukrainian crews, it’s being repurposed for a very different kind of cinematic moment: high-volume, rapid engagements against small, low-flying threats.

In addition, another video circulated from recent operations shows Mi-8 transport helicopters receiving notable upgrades to fight Iranian-made Shahed drones.

Modifications include a forward optical targeting pod mounted ahead of the front landing gear with daytime and thermal imaging sensors, a searchlight for low-light work, and additional weapons mounts. Some Mi-8s now carry American M134 Miniguns at the side-gunner position, providing short, concentrated bursts that analysts say can destroy fragile loitering munitions on contact.

Earlier drone interceptions often relied on legacy Soviet PKT 7.62 mm machine guns, which fire about 500–750 rounds per minute. By contrast, the Minigun’s much higher rate of fire—combined with the newer optics and illumination gear—is expected to raise night-time interception success rates and improve protection for forward bases and forces maneuvering near contested airspace.

The M134 first arrived in Ukraine in late 2022 but has only recently begun appearing in operational footage.

Ukrainian forces are pairing the weapon’s raw firepower with upgraded sensors and tactics to create layered, persistent defenses against the small, cheap drones that Moscow has frequently used to harass logistics hubs, airfields, and critical infrastructure.

Earlier, Ukraine began using An-28 light twin-engine aircraft to intercept Russian “Shahed” and “Geran” drones.

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