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Ukraine Turns Old An-28 Plane Into Drone Hunter—Downs 70 Iranian-Made Shaheds
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
Ukraine has begun using An-28 light twin-engine aircraft to intercept Russian “Shahed” and “Geran” drones, according to Defense Express on October 6.
The publication reports that one of these aircraft has already achieved notable success, reportedly downing about 70 drones since entering service.
According to Defense Express, a photo shared on X by Polish user Daniel Dragan shows an An-28 fuselage marked with symbols representing confirmed drone kills. The aircraft’s record, he noted, compares favorably to that of a Dutch F-35, which has recorded only one aerial victory.
Wszyscy zachwycali się holenderskim F-35, z namalowanym Szachedem. Wyprodukowany w Mielcu An-28 SZU zestrzelił już 70 dronów 😀 @LachowskiMateus @wolski_jaros @Artur_Micek @mar_luniewski @marek_reszka @jodynaa @Maciej_Korowaj @WarNewsPL1 @KapitanLisowski @MarekMeissner pic.twitter.com/jnwOlCP41O
— Daniel Dragan 🇵🇱🇪🇺 (@DanielDraganPL) October 5, 2025
The An-28 was originally developed in Kyiv by the Antonov Design Bureau but mass-produced in Poland at the PZL Mielec plant, where its modernized version, the PZL M28, remains in service with the armed forces of seven countries.
The model is also known internationally under the US designation C-145A and was later upgraded for special operations as the MC-145B SOMA, capable of carrying guided bombs, Hellfire missiles, and even JASSM cruise missiles.
Defense Express notes that the Ukrainian Air Force appears to be using standard, non-modified versions of the An-28, possibly equipped with onboard gunners to engage drones midair — a method similar to that employed on Mi-8 helicopters.
While less efficient than modern systems, this approach has proven practical under resource constraints.
Although the authenticity of the published photograph cannot be independently verified, Defense Express points out that technical analysis shows no evidence of digital alteration. Reports of such “gunship-style” aircraft being used to counter Russian drones had circulated earlier, making the An-28’s participation plausible.
Since the An-28 was not previously an active part of Ukraine’s Air Force inventory, experts believe these planes were likely repurposed from civilian fleets — following a pattern established by other light aircraft such as the Yak-52, which have also been adapted for air defense roles.
Earlier, the Royal Netherlands Air Force confirmed its first combat victory with an F-35A fighter jet, which shot down a Russian drone during a NATO mission in Poland, according to the Dutch Ministry of Defense. The aircraft, tail number F-027 from the 313th Squadron, now bears a “kill mark” symbolizing the intercept.
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