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Ukraine Turns An-28 Into Airborne Drone Hunter Using P1-SUN Interceptors Against Shaheds
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![Photo of Vlad Litnarovych]( "Photo of Vlad Litnarovych")
Ukraine has begun using aircraft-launched interceptor drones to counter Russian Shahed attack drones, marking a new evolution in its layered air defense strategy, according to a video published by Ukrainian pilot Timur Fatkullin on April 23.
The footage shows an An-28 aircraft deploying P1-SUN interceptor drones developed by the company SkyFall. The aircraft appears to be equipped with at least three mounting points under each wing, allowing it to carry up to six interceptor drones per sortie.
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The An-28 is also fitted with an optical system to visually detect targets, enabling crews to locate incoming drones before launching interceptors. This approach offers a more cost-effective alternative to traditional air-to-air missiles, which are significantly more expensive.
Footage also shows testing of other interceptor systems, including the American-made Merops drones, which have been actively evaluated in Ukraine as part of ongoing efforts to expand counter-drone capabilities.
The use of the An-28 as a platform for countering Shahed drones was first reported in February. Earlier footage indicated that crews were also using an M134 Minigun mounted onboard to engage aerial targets directly.
According to available reports, ground controllers guide the aircraft into areas where Russian drones are detected. Once in position, the crew must visually identify targets, often in nighttime conditions, before engaging them.
French journalists who observed one such mission reported that some An-28 crews consist of civilian volunteers supporting Ukraine’s air defense efforts.
Originally designed by the Antonov Design Bureau in Kyiv, the An-28 is a light twin-engine turboprop aircraft used for short-range passenger and cargo transport. It was later mass-produced in Poland at the PZL Mielec plant, with modernized variants still in service worldwide.
Earlier, reports emerged that Ukraine was implementing a strategic shift in air defense by deploying interceptor drones operated via long-range remote control.
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