Poland considers turning M28 cargo plane into gunship to replace F-16 jets in drone interception.

Poland is evaluating the conversion of its domestically produced PZL M28 Skytruck transport aircraft into a dedicated gunship interceptor to counter low-speed unmanned aerial threats, as proposed by PZL Mielec.

The initiative aims to equip existing M28 aircraft operated by the Polish Armed Forces with machine guns, sensors, and guided rockets to create a layered counter-drone defense. This approach enhances operational endurance and interception capacity while preserving F-16 and F-35 fleets for higher-priority missions, strengthening overall air defense readiness and resource allocation.

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PZL Mielec's concept focuses on equipping existing M28 cargo aircraft operated by the Polish Armed Forces with machine guns, sensors, and guided rockets to create a layered counter-drone defense. (Picture source: PZL Mielec/translated by Army Recognition)

As reported by Defence 24 on March 19, 2026, Poland’s armed forces are studying the acquisition of a dedicated counter-drone aircraft, with PZL Mielec proposing the conversion of the M28 transport aircraft into a gunship interceptor to address the rapid expansion of unmanned threats. PZL targets loitering munitions and reconnaissance UAVs that operate at relatively low speeds and altitudes, two conditions deemed unsuitable for efficient interception by supersonic fighters. It also aligns with observed operational patterns where hundreds of drones can be launched in coordinated waves, requiring sustained endurance, low operating cost, and the ability to engage multiple targets per sortie. The development relies on adapting an existing aircraft fleet to reduce timelines from years to weeks for initial operational capability.

The operational requirement identified by Polish command structures focuses on relieving multirole fighters from counter-drone missions that consume flight hours, fuel, and limited missile inventories. Fighters such as the F-16 or F-35 are optimized for air superiority and strike missions, yet are currently used in some cases against slow-moving aerial targets traveling near 100 to 200 km/h. This creates a mismatch between capability and task, while also limiting availability for higher-priority missions such as suppression of enemy air defenses or deep strike. The M28 gunship concept introduces a dedicated layer capable of continuous patrol over defined sectors, reducing reliance on rapid reaction scrambling. The proposal was formalized through an industry response presented at a Polish military conference, indicating that the aircraft would function as a persistent interceptor positioned between ground-based defenses and high-end aviation assets. This layered approach aims to distribute workload across systems rather than concentrating it on a limited number of platforms, while anticipating future increases in drone density that may require a more scalable interception capacity.

The proposed armament configuration relies on M134 7.62 mm miniguns installed in side doors, each capable of firing 3,000 to 6,000 rounds per minute, creating a dense projectile stream to compensate for the small size of UAV targets. A 12.7 mm heavy machine gun mounted in the rear fuselage extends effective range and penetration, allowing engagement of larger or more resilient drones. This setup requires onboard gunners operating in coordination with the pilot, maintaining visual contact with the target and adjusting fire in real time. Engagement distances are typically within a few hundred meters, where hit probability increases significantly due to the volume of fire. The concept directly mirrors combat practices observed in Ukraine, where adapted An-28 and Yak-52 aircraft have conducted patrols and reportedly achieved cumulative drone kill counts exceeding one hundred units.

The fire capacity of the M28 gunship concept is also expanded through the integration of a stabilized, remotely controlled 12.7 mm turret, reducing dependence on manual aiming and allowing engagement independent of aircraft orientation. An electro-optical sensor mounted in the forward fuselage provides target detection, tracking, and fire control support, enabling operations in both day and night conditions. This combination allows continuous engagement across a 360° field, including targets located below or behind the aircraft. Additional armament options include 70 mm guided rockets such as APKWS or Telson, which provide limited stand-off capability against larger or grouped targets. The installation of 20 mm gun pods enables forward-directed fire, allowing the M28 to engage targets during pursuit or head-on interception. These extend engagement range beyond that of door-mounted weapons while maintaining a lower cost compared to missile-based interceptions.

The engagement model is based on intercepting drones traveling at relatively low speeds, often between 100 and 200 km/h, and at altitudes accessible to turboprop aircraft. The aircraft closes the distance using visual cues or sensor data, then engages using sustained bursts of fire to maximize hit probability against small targets with limited radar signatures. This allows multiple engagement attempts within a single sortie, unlike missile-based interception, where each shot consumes a high-value asset. The cost-per-engagement is therefore significantly reduced, enabling sustained operations against large drone formations. However, the method requires close proximity, increasing exposure to the potential explosion of said drones, as recently seen with the death of an AH-64 Apache crew in the UAE. Combat data from Ukraine indicates that such methods can account for a measurable share of intercepted drones within a broader air defense network.

The PZL M28 Skytruck, which provides the basis for this gunship concept, is a twin-engine turboprop with short takeoff and landing capability, enabling operations from runways as short as 500 meters. The aircraft is already in service within the Polish Armed Forces in multiple roles, including transport, maritime patrol, and reconnaissance, with more than 25 units currently operational. Its cruising speed and endurance allow extended patrols over designated areas, while its high-wing configuration ensures clear firing arcs for side-mounted weapons. The aircraft’s maintenance requirements and fuel consumption are significantly lower than those of jet fighters, supporting higher sortie generation rates. Its design allows rapid reconfiguration between roles, enabling dual-use within existing fleets. Production and modification capacity within Poland allows for relatively fast integration of new systems while reducing both acquisition and lifecycle costs.

However, the integration into a wider air defense system is central to the M28 gunship's success, potentially with a radar capable of detecting small aerial targets and providing early warning within its patrol area. Communication systems such as V/UHF radios, satellite links, and Link-16 enable real-time data exchange with ground-based air defense units and command centers. The inclusion of IFF M5 ensures identification of friendly aircraft, while INS/GPS systems resistant to jamming support navigation in contested environments. Deployment concepts include positioning aircraft in eastern and northeastern Poland, as well as along key geographic corridors, to create overlapping coverage zones. Maritime variants could extend this coverage over the Baltic Sea, filling gaps in coverage and responding to threats that penetrate initial defenses. This layered deployment increases redundancy and allocation of resources based on threat direction and intensity.

Written by Jérôme Brahy

Jérôme Brahy is a defense analyst and documentalist at Army Recognition. He specializes in naval modernization, aviation, drones, armored vehicles, and artillery, with a focus on strategic developments in the United States, China, Ukraine, Russia, Türkiye, and Belgium. His analyses go beyond the facts, providing context, identifying key actors, and explaining why defense news matters on a global scale.