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Ukraine Turns 1960s An-28 Into Drone Hunter, Destroys Shaheds

4/24/2026

50 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Ukrainian pilots have converted the 1968-era Antonov An-28 transport into a low-cost airborne carrier for interceptor drones.
They launched P1-Sun interceptor drones from the An-28’s wing pylons, destroying Russian Shahed loitering munitions.
Pilot Tymur Fatkullin posted video showing the drone releases.
Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said Ukraine can now control interceptor drones at distances of hundreds to thousands of kilometres.

History

Historical Context

During 1944 the US Army Air Forces began Project Aphrodite, converting at least 25 B-17 Flying Fortresses into radio-controlled bombs carrying 2,000-pound warheads; the program ended in early 1945. Decades later, Ukrainian pilot Tymur Fatkullin repurposes a 1968-era Antonov An-28, mounting P1-Sun interceptor drones to hunt Russian Shahed loitering munitions, echoing the early use of legacy airframes for cost-effective counter-UAS missions.

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Story summary

Ukrainian pilots have converted the 1968-era Antonov An-28 transport into a low-cost airborne carrier for interceptor drones.
They launched P1-Sun interceptor drones from the An-28’s wing pylons, destroying Russian Shahed loitering munitions.
Pilot Tymur Fatkullin posted video showing the drone releases.
Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said Ukraine can now control interceptor drones at distances of hundreds to thousands of kilometres.

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