The P1-SUN interceptor drone from SkyFall is now being used to intercept Shahed-type drones through air launch.
A video showing the crew of an Antonov An-28 was shared by aero.tim on Instagram.
The aircraft has at least three mounting points on each wing, allowing it to carry up to six interceptor drones.
It is also equipped with an optical system to visually locate enemy targets.
This approach allows forces to destroy aerial threats using drones as a more affordable alternative to traditional air-to-air missiles.
Meanwhile, engineers successfully tested several other types of interceptor drones during a series of training flights.
The footage also shows a test launch of American Merops interceptor drones, which have been actively tested in Ukraine.
The An-28’s role as a ‘hunter’ of Russian Shahed-type strike drones became known back in February.
Earlier footage showed the crew using a six-barrel M134 Minigun to shoot down enemy drones.
Ground controllers direct the aircraft to areas where the drones are detected, after which the pilot and operator must visually identify the targets in the night sky before engaging them.
French journalists witnessed combat operations during one of the night missions. According to them, the An-28 crew consists of civilians who decided to defend Ukrainian airspace by assisting the military.
The An-28 is a light twin-engine turboprop aircraft developed by Antonov State Enterprise, used for short-distance passenger or cargo transport. It was manufactured at the Polish aviation plant PZL.
