Ukraine already has very successful experience using the An-28 transport turboprop aircraft converted into a shahed hunter. Poland, remembering the experience of repelling russian foam plastic Gerber attacks with F-35s using AIM-120s, also began promoting a similar solution with the M28.
At the same time, in the U.S., which is now trying to repel Shahed-type drone attacks in the Persian Gulf, this role is actively performed by fighters, or at best A-10 attack aircraft. Although Americans have literally under their nose a virtually ideal aircraft against Shaheds, with minimal flight cost, long patrol time, as well as the ability to equip with everything necessary.
Read more: Atesh Partisans Burn russian EW Towers, Clearing Way for Ukrainian Drone Strike on A-50 Aircraft at Air Repair Plant
This is the Cessna C-208 Caravan, which the U.S. government ordered in combat AC-208 Combat Caravan versions for Iraq and Afghanistan. Back in 2008, American company Alliant Techsystems (no longer exists, through a series of acquisitions belongs to Northrop Grumman as of 2018) created a combat version of this widespread aircraft in just 11 months. It received cockpit digitization, light armor, MX-15D optical sighting station, as well as two pylons for light precision air-to-ground missiles like Hellfire.
American companies now offer even more advanced Cessna C-208 conversion versions. For example, MAG Aerospace is promoting the MC-208 Guardian. This version has four hardpoints as well as an advanced communications system.
However, MC-208 Guardian is offered as a solution for special operations forces. Not as an aircraft that can hang in the sky for hours with minimal flight cost, carry 4 APKWS pods against Shaheds, as well as has a wide side hatch for placing a Minigun machine gun installation, or the ability to launch anti-aircraft drones.
It's also worth adding that the single-engine Cessna C-208 can operate from any runways, has a cruising speed of 341 km/h, with maximum flight range around 1,800 km. This aircraft can objectively be the cheapest in terms of practicality and efficiency means against drones, surpassing even the twin-engine An-28.
Instead, nothing is heard from the U.S. about any intention to arm themselves with an economically viable means to fight Shaheds.
Although American military once made the first gunship from a military transport aircraft, this was the AC-47 Spooky, made in 1963 from the Douglas C-47 and armed with three Minigun machine guns, as a result of Vietnam War challenges and the need for a counter-insurgency close air support aircraft.
Let's recall that the U.S. has now begun facing air defense asset shortages. They reportedly are already considering redirecting surface-to-air missiles ordered for Ukraine under the PURL program to their own needs.
Read more: Will Germany Turn from Europe and U.S. to Australia After Expressing Interest in MQ-28 Ghost Bat Drone Fighter?
