AviationNews – Poland’s Ministry of National Defence has initiated a feasibility study to convert its fleet of M28 Skytruck transport aircraft into dedicated “drone hunters.” This strategic pivot aims to provide a cost-effective, airborne solution to intercept and neutralize increasingly prevalent hostile unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
The M28 Skytruck, a versatile Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) aircraft produced by PZL Mielec, has long been a workhorse for the Polish Air Force in logistics and maritime patrol roles. The decision to explore this conversion, announced on March 27, 2026, stems from the urgent need to protect national airspace against low-cost loitering munitions and reconnaissance drones. By repurposing an existing, proven platform, Poland intends to accelerate its defensive capabilities without the lengthy lead times required for entirely new airframe developments.
Operationally, the conversion involves integrating advanced electronic warfare (EW) suites, signal jammers, or kinetic interception systems onto the stable M28 platform. The aircraft’s ability to fly at relatively low speeds and its spacious cabin make it an ideal candidate for housing the necessary sensors and operators required to track and engage small, slow-moving targets. This “drone-jager” configuration would allow the Polish military to patrol vast border areas and respond to incursions that are often difficult for high-speed supersonic fighter jets to manage.
“Adapting our existing assets like the M28 Skytruck allows us to meet modern threats with agility and fiscal responsibility,” stated a senior official from the Polish defense procurement agency. “This project represents a bridge between traditional aviation and the future of electronicized aerial combat, ensuring our skies remain secure against evolving unmanned systems.”
As the evaluation progresses throughout 2026, the successful implementation of this program could serve as a blueprint for other NATO allies facing similar security challenges. If the prototypes prove effective, the M28 will transition from a traditional cargo hauler into a sophisticated guardian of the eastern flank’s airspace.
The potential conversion of the M28 Skytruck underscores a global shift toward multi-mission aircraft capable of counter-UAV operations. By leveraging the airframe’s reliability, Poland is positioning itself at the forefront of innovative, adaptive defense strategies for the late 2020s.
