Russia is considering the possibility of adapting An-2 aircraft as carriers for anti-aircraft drones, following the example of Ukraine's use of the An-28. This was reported by Defense Express, according to UNN.
Details
The idea was proposed in one of the Russian Telegram channels, after which it began to be disseminated by propaganda media. It concerns the creation of platforms for intercepting Ukrainian drones, particularly long-range ones.
Ukraine previously utilized the An-28 light transport aircraft as a carrier for anti-aircraft drones in combat conditions. According to assessments, this solution proved effective for countering aerial targets.
Which aircraft Russia is considering
Among the main candidates in Russia are An-2s, which they plan to restore. According to existing plans, this could involve up to 700 aircraft with costs of around 300 million dollars.
Other platforms are also being considered – specifically the Yak-40, L-410, and Il-114. However, these options have limited availability or are currently in the refinement stage.
Context
Russia has already discussed modernizing the An-2 by installing engines from the An-28, but such solutions are viewed as temporary. At the same time, the country possesses a significant number of these aircraft for potential conversion.
According to assessments, interest in this concept is linked to Russia's difficulties in countering Ukrainian drone attacks and the growth of long-range drone production in Ukraine.