Weekly insights and analysis on the latest developments in military technology, strategy, and foreign policy.
Ukraine’s Shahed-killing Antonov An-28 Cash twin-turboprop utility aircraft are now air-launching interceptor drones to provide another means of defeating their targets. This is among the latest developments in Ukraine’s battle against Russian long-range one-way attack drones, one that has seen each side introduce new technologies and countermeasures in what has become one of the fastest-moving aspects of the conflict.
⚡️The legendary civilian Ukrainian An-28, modified into a “Shahed hunter” with over 150 confirmed kills, has now been adapted to launch interceptor drones in flight. pic.twitter.com/aAv3by9gLA
— Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 (@bayraktar_1love) April 23, 2026
The video of the An-28 armed with interceptor drones was apparently first published by Ukrainian pilot and volunteer Tymur Fatkullin, who has previously documented other extemporized aviation initiatives, including using the six-barrel Gatling-type M134 Minigun to blast Russian drones out of the air.
In this new iteration, the An-28 has underwing hardpoints mounting two types of Ukrainian-made interceptor drones, the SkyFall P1-Sun and the Merops AS-3 Surveyor. Earlier this month, we wrote about how the Merops drones have been effectively used by the U.S. military to counter Iranian Shahed attacks in the Middle East.
Underwing interceptor drones as seen on a monitor in the cabin of the An-28. aero.tim/screencap
Alongside the video, Fatkullin provided the following account:
“Aircraft-launched P1-Sun interceptor against hostile Shaheds. This method has already proven effective in real combat conditions. We have also tested several other interceptor drones during training flights. You could call it a cheap air-to-air missile.”
The launch of a P1-Sun interceptor drone from the An-28. aero.tim/screencap
Fatkullin also added that, at this point, the An-28 has additionally brought down 222 Russian drones using gun armament.
A passenger An-28 aircraft armed with miniguns is shooting down Russian drones over Ukraine, French TF1 got an inside. The crew consists of civilian volunteers who have already destroyed nearly 150 drones during air defense missions. #Ukrainepic.twitter.com/x1E921TPT2
As we have previously reported, Ukraine has been successfully using several locally produced drones to counter Russian Shaheds for some time now.
Both the P1-Sun and the AS-3 Surveyor are small, relatively inexpensive drones built specifically to zip through the skies and intercept long-range one-way attack drones.
In the case of the P1-Sun, this uses a modular, 3D-printed airframe, can operate at altitudes up to 16,400 feet (5,000 meters), and reach speeds of up to 280 miles per hour (450 km/h). This is sufficient to intercept jet-powered drones such as the Russian Geran-3, under some circumstances.
A ground-launched P1-Sun interceptor drone. SkyFall
Meanwhile, the AS-3 Surveyor is a somewhat more expensive and more capable option, intended for use against higher-end threats. These interceptors can operate autonomously or be remotely piloted and are equipped with onboard sensors for target tracking. The interceptor carries an explosive warhead and destroys targets either through a direct collision or a proximity detonation.
A video shows the AS-3 Surveyor during a live-fire demonstration in Poland in November 2025:
A new system to identify and take down Russian drones is deployed to NATO’s eastern flank
According to the U.S. Army, a single example of the Merops-made drone costs around $15,000, with the potential to reduce this to between $3,000 and $5,000 if production is scaled up. This compares with the estimated cost of between $30,000 and $50,000 for a Shahed. Provided the interceptor drones are effective, the economic case is a very compelling one.
Having interceptor drones launched from aircraft provides a number of advantages. The An-28 is able to bring the interceptor drone closer to the target and to use its own sensors to help locate these. As we have reported in the past, the An-28 crew initially relies on air traffic controllers to guide them to the area where drones are known to be flying. One of the crew is a ‘camera operator,’ monitoring a feed from an infrared camera. Members of the crew are also provided with night-vision goggles (NVGs) for spotting the mainly nocturnal drones.
The An-28’s cabin is lit up as the gunner opens fire with the M134 Minigun. TF1 screencap
The turboprop also offers significant loiter time for standing anti-drone patrols, which can be set up as a screen where they are most advantageous. At the same time, having the drone launched from the air reduces the response time. Launching from height gives the interceptor drone additional altitude and range.
There is also the benefit of having a choice of weapons (different types of drones, guns, and potentially also rockets) to respond to various drone threats.
Furthermore, the An-28’s short takeoff and landing (STOL) capability makes it ideal for operating in and out of shorter and more austere airstrips, of the kind that Ukraine makes extensive use of in the conflict with Russia.
This threat is only set to grow. Russia, as we have previously noted, now manufactures Shahed/Geran drones at the rate of 2,000 per month and has announced plans to nearly triple that.
Some of the kill marks painted below the An-28 cockpit. TF1 screencap
Already, interceptor drones have established themselves as a much more cost-effective option compared to surface-to-air missile interceptors like the Patriot system, and even cheaper, less advanced missiles when it comes to countering Shahed-type drones. Although these drones lack the payload and range of high-end munitions, they can be deployed in large numbers, allowing them to cover broad areas. This, in turn, helps preserve the limited supply of more sophisticated interceptors and reverses the unfavorable cost dynamic between targets and defensive systems. Even so, such solutions are most effective when integrated into a layered defense, particularly for protecting high-value sites and critical infrastructure.
A Shahed-type drone seen from the cabin of the An-28. aero.tim/screencap
The small size of interceptor drones also makes them suitable for arming lighter aircraft, crewed and uncrewed. Ukraine already makes use of ‘mothership’ drones, while helicopters and even gun-armed Yakovlev Yak-52 prop trainers, also used to hunt drones, could potentially carry them under their wings. Already, light aircraft and helicopters are said to be responsible for downing between 10 and 12 percent of all drones claimed by Ukrainian air defenses of all kinds.
Inside the Cockpit of Ukraine’s Secretive Unit Hunting Russian Drones | WSJ News
It isn’t hard to see how this concept could be rapidly evolved and executed even more effectively and efficiently with better technology. For instance, having MQ-9 Reapers loaded with these drones and equipped with air-to-air radar would allow for a long-range, long-endurance picket aircraft of sorts. In the context of the war in the Middle East, parking these between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran, over the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, could go a long way to stopping incoming Shahed-136 and other one-way attack drones at a tiny fraction of the cost of surface-to-air missiles.
Arming crewed aircraft with interceptor drones is the latest expression of Ukraine’s fast-developing counter-drone arsenal. If it proves successful, we will likely see its wider adoption. After all, anything that helps change the calculus for Ukraine in the drone war is likely to be enthusiastically adopted.
Andrew McClements, customer experience and transformation director at TPE, said, “We’re pleased to be introducing services that give customers more choice, added flexibility, and an improved overall experience when travelling with us.”
Other changes to the TPE timetable will see an update to 08.05am weekday services between Leeds and Manchester Piccadilly come into place.
The regular service will begin to call at Dewsbury.
This is to help commuters and students with early morning commutes and to better connect them to the city.
TPE is also urging customers to check their usual routes to see if they have been impacted by the timetable changes.
It said, “Although most of our services are unchanged, we encourage customers to take a moment to check any journeys they make regularly.”
The airport train service will run through the nightCredit: Alamy Stock Photo
BRITS wishing to travel to a major American city have been dealt a blow as a budget airline announced it is grounding all flights to the destination.
Norse Atlantic is axing its flights from London Gatwick to Los Angeles.
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Norse Atlantic has cancelled its flights between London Gatwick and Los AngelesCredit: Alamy
The decision comes as the Iran War continues to impact fuel prices.
Norse only introduced the route between the UK and American city back in June 2023 and at that time operated seven flights per week from London Gatwick to Los Angeles.
The airline had planned to operate six flights per week for the peak summer months.
However, the flight route – due to start next month – will be cancelled for the entire season until October.
And it isn’t just Brits that will impacted as the airline is also stopping its routes to Los Angeles from Rome in Italy and Paris Charles de Gaulle in France.
The announcement means that Norse will only have four long-haul routes this summer, including London Gatwick to New York and London Gatwick to Orlando.
According to Travel Gossip, a spokesperson said: “Due to the continued increase in fuel constraint risks, fuel prices, and the resulting impact on our operating costs, we have had to make the difficult decision to suspend our LAX operations this summer, May to October.
“All affected customers will be proactively notified by Norse Atlantic Airways today where contact details are available.
“We sincerely apologise, but as a consequence of this fuel crisis, it is our responsibility to ensure we make this decision to maintain a sustainable airline for our passengers and colleagues.”
The news follows a number of other airlines making decisions to axe flights and increase fare prices as a result of the ongoing fuel crisis caused by the Iran war.
Yesterday, KLM announced that they were axing 160 flights across Europe over the next month due to the fuel crisis.
These include services to and from London.
The cancellations will impact flights travelling to and from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport in the Netherlands.
However, the airline has said that they currently do not have a shortage of jet fuel.
A KLM spokesperson said: “Passengers affected by these changes will be rebooked onto the next available flight.
The news follows a number of airlines axing flights due to the ongoing fuel crisis caused by the Iran WarCredit: Alamy
“As these are destinations KLM serves multiple times a day, such as London and Düsseldorf, travellers can usually be accommodated quickly.
“KLM expects a busy May holiday period and is making sure passengers can travel to their holiday destinations as planned.”
This week, Lufthansa also announced that its subsidiary airline CityLine is to cease operations due to both the Iran war and ongoing strike action.
The airline – which operates some flights to and from the UK including Frankfurt and Munich – will be grounding 27 aircraft from April 18.
Lufthansa’s main airline will be grounding four Airbus jets and two Boeing jets for good, by the end of the summer as well.
THE world’s longest non-stop flight is taking off next year – with new images revealing a first look at the aircraft with anti jet lag cabins and private suites.
Qantas’ Project Sunrise will be a non-stop 20-hour-plus flight between London and Sydney.
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Qantas has revealed the first images of its new plane that will fly between London and AustraliaCredit: QantasIt will become the world’s longest flight at over 20 hoursCredit: QantasOn board, there are four classes – First Class, Business Class, Premium Economy and EconomyCredit: Qantas
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Expected to launch in the first half of 2027, the Airbus A350, from Australia’s flagship carrier, will serve two routes – one between the East Coast of Australia and London and the other between the East Coast of Australia and New York.
With flight times up to 22 hours, this makes it the longest nonstop flight in the world – beating the current 18.5 hour flight from Singapore to New York.
Inside, passengers can expect First Class suites,Business Class, Premium Economy and Economy seats.
There will also be a Wellbeing Zone onboard, which will be a space where passengers can get up and move about and tune into with guided wellbeing content as well as grab a healthy snack or drink.
The space is open to all passengers too.
Passengers will also benefit from free Wi-Fi in all cabins and Bluetooth connectivity.
In First Class, there will be six enclosed cabins each with a two-metre-long bed that lies flat.
If you want to stay seated, there will be a separate reclining armchair as well.
In comparison, the 52 Business suites will feature sliding doors to create some privacy.
The 40 Premium Economy seats come with a 20.3cm “winged privacy headrest” and a calf rest, to keep comfy on the 22-hour flight.
Economy passengers haven’t been forgotten either, with 140 seats offering 83.8cm of legroom each.
Rather cleverly, the entire plane features 12 lighting scenes which include Sunrise and Sunset.
Each scene will be played at specific times to help passengers’ circadian-rhythm sync with their destination’s time zone, ultimately helping to reduce jet lag.
There’s even a dedicated Wellbeing Zone as well for passengers to stretch in and grab healthy snacksCredit: QantasThe flights are expected to launch next yearCredit: Qantas
In total there will be 12 aircraft, with one aircraft entering the final stages of production this week before two months of testing.
Via social media, Qantas also shared on April 13 that engines had been installed in the first Project Sunrise aircraft.
In a separate post, Qantas said: “The first Airbus A350-1000ULR rolled out of the hangar in Toulouse this week, with its Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines fitted and ready to start final ground checks and a two-month flight testing campaign.
“From next year, these aircraft will carry our customers non-stop from Sydney to London and New York for the first time ever – reducing flying time by up to four hours.”
The airline also teased that “its first test flight is just around the corner”.
When the flight route eventually launches, it is expected to cut four hours off of current flight times, which also usually involve a stop to refuel.
Details of how regularly the flight will travel between London and Sydney are yet to be announced, as are the pricesCredit: Qantas
This will be possible due to an extra 20,000 litre fuel tank at the rear of each plane.
Qantas first announced plans to launch Project Sunrise back in 2017, though the ambitious project has faced delays as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and supply chain issues.
Details of how regularly the flight will travel between London and Sydney are yet to be announced, as are the prices.
NEW YORK — Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is launching a new podcast that he says will begin “a new era of radical transparency in government,” according to a teaser video first obtained by the Associated Press.
The show, titled “The Secretary Kennedy Podcast,” will launch next week and feature Kennedy in conversation with doctors, scientists and agency staff, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services officials told the AP ahead of the launch. In the teaser video, in a slick Health and Human Services-branded studio with ominous music playing in the background, Kennedy bills it as a new way to expose corruption and lies that have made Americans sick.
“We’re going to name the names of the forces that obstruct the paths to public health,” Kennedy says in the 90-second clip.
The new communication effort from the Department of Health comes as the department has faced a bevy of recent setbacks, including widespread criticism of its vaccine policy changes, a federal ruling last month blocking several of those moves, and resistance from key Republican senators that has kept President Trump’s surgeon general pick from taking office. In that way, it could be seen as part of a broader rebranding strategy as the agency redirects away from vaccine efforts and toward a less contentious agenda on healthy food ahead of November’s midterm elections.
But the show, which has been in the works since early in the second Trump administration, also reflects Kennedy returning to a format where he has long felt at ease. An antivaccine crusader and attorney before he entered office, he previously hosted his own podcast and has appeared on dozens to share his perspectives in longform interviews, as recently as this week.
Tyler Burger, Health and Human Services digital communications manager and the producer of the new podcast, said while Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary has a podcast, officials believe Kennedy’s will be the first to be hosted by a sitting Cabinet secretary.
“We’re kind of bringing podcasting into the government as an official form and arm of our messaging,” Burger said. He said the set for the show was pieced together largely with items the agency already had, and has the capacity for a total of four people to sit in conversation together.
“This is part of our larger strategy to bring the Make America Healthy Again message to as wide an audience as we can,” said Liam Nahill, Health and Human Services digital director.
Because podcasts are now commonly made not only on audio but video, they are regularly clipped and shared across social media platforms, giving them “massive” reach, according to Melina Much, a postdoctoral fellow for NYU’s Center for Social Media and Politics.
Much said podcasts also tend to be more intimate, conversational and friendly than a traditional interview, allowing administration officials to promote themselves without facing as much pushback.
While Kennedy’s teaser focuses on uncovering lies, Health and Human Services spokesman Andrew Nixon said it will aim to cover affordability and other topics that polls show are salient for American voters ahead of the midterms.
“Americans are united on the need to urgently address chronic disease, improve nutrition, strengthen food quality, and lower health costs,” he said. “The Secretary Kennedy Podcast will cover all those issues.”
The former EastEnders star has been cast in the reboot of The X Files, which has been greenlit by American streaming powerhouse Hulu
Himesh Patel has landed a major new TV role(Image: PA)
Former EastEnders star Himesh Patel has landed a significant role in the highly anticipated reboot of The X Files.
The 35-year-old, who first captured the nation’s hearts as a youngster on the popular BBC soap portraying Tamwar Masood in Albert Square, is now setting off on a completely different adventure.
He has been cast in Ryan Coogler’s reboot pilot of The X Files, which American streaming giant Hulu gave the go-ahead to last month. Himesh will appear alongside BAFTA-nominated actress Danielle Deadwyler, playing two ‘vastly different’ FBI agents.
Danielle, 43, boasts an impressive array of accolades, particularly for her compelling portrayal of Mamie Till-Mobley in Till. She was nominated for the Best Actress in a Leading Role award at the 2023 BAFTA Film and TV awards, reports OK!.
According to a logline by Variety, the reboot focuses on: “Two highly decorated but vastly different FBI agents (Deadwyler, Patel) form an unlikely bond when they are assigned to a long-shuttered division devoted to cases involving unexplained phenomena.”
The publication also confirms that both stars will portray entirely new characters, rather than reimagined versions of Fox Mulder and Dr. Dana Scully, according to the Daily Mail. David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson brought those iconic roles to life across 11 series.
Original creator Chris Carter is returning as executive producer, while Jennifer Yale (The Copenhagen Test) has been appointed as showrunner. Meanwhile, Coogler is scheduled to write, direct and produce, drawing inspiration from his mother’s fondness for the original series.
This marks another collaboration between Himesh and Danielle, having previously worked together on the 2021 miniseries Station Eleven.
Himesh left EastEnders in 2016 after his character ran away with then-girlfriend Nancy Carter. Two years later, he shot to international fame by securing the lead role in Yesterday, which became his breakthrough film.
In 2024, Himesh disclosed that struggling with acne while working on EastEnders as a teenager ‘felt like the worst thing in the world‘.
Speaking openly to British GQ Hype, the actor looked back on his remarkable career journey, including his early years on the legendary soap.
He told the publication: “I’ve been doing this since I was 16, When you’re a teenager and you have acne, it’s the worst thing in the world.
“But then when you’ve got acne in front of millions of people every week in EastEnders, it’s a whole other thing. ‘It was rough. You just kind of feel defective because you’re surrounded by actors. Everyone gets spots, but I just felt the pressure.”
THE UK’s busiest and largest airport is launching a number of new routes over the coming months.
Last year, London Heathrow Airport saw around 84.5million passengers and is expecting to break the 85million mark this year.
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London Heathrow Airport has a number of new routes launching over the next couple monthsCredit: AlamyThese include Tivat in Montenegro (pictured) and St Louis in AmericaCredit: Alamy
And this spring and summer, the world’s most connected airport is launching several new routes.
Dubbed America’s ‘gateway to the west’, the route will be launching as the famous Route 66 celebrates its 100th anniversary.
The stretch of Route 66 in St Louis, called ‘The Mother Road’ goes past landmarks including the Gateway Arch, the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge and Ted Drewes Frozen Custard.
Winding through the city, drivers on the route can stop off at neon-lit diners and a number of roadside attractions including the Route 66 Rocker – a massive 12.8metre-tall rocking chair.
The Guernsey route will then operate daily, also from Terminal 5, and cost from £101 return per person.
The new connection means that Guernsey residents will now more easily be able to travel across the globe by flying from Heathrow.
Guernsey is the largest of the Channel Islands and is known for having a mix of French and British culture.
One top spot to see is St Peter Port, a pretty harbour with charming houses.
As for the route to Tivat in Montenegro – this will launch on May 14, from Terminal 3 and cost from £172 return per person.
British Airways will be launching a route to Guernsey, creating a better connection for the island to international destinationsCredit: AlamyRecently named the most under-the-radar country, there will be new British Airways flights to MontenegroCredit: Alamy
Montenegro was recently named one of the most under-the-radar countries in the world, according to US News.
Tivat is found on the coast in the UNESCO-listed Bay of Kotor and features a large marina full of luxury yachts and pretty beaches such as Plaza Ponta.
Heathrow is also dubbing Tivat “one of Europe’s trendiest summer hotspots” thanks to its Adriatic scenery and offering travellers the perfect blend of sun, adventure and culture.
Low-cost Spanish airline Vueling will be launching a new daily service to Seville on March 29.
The route will operate from Terminal 4 and cost from £36 one-way, per person.
Spain is always popular with Brits and Seville is no exception.
The historic Andalusian city is great for both families and weekend city breaks with historic sites including the Cathedral – which is the largest Gothic temple in Europe – with La Giralda tower which has amazing views of the city.
Low-cost Spanish airline, Vueling, will be launching a route to SevilleCredit: AlamyThe city is home to the largest Gothic temple in EuropeCredit: Alamy
For a pretty souvenir, head to the Triana Neighborhood which is the historic district of the city and is known for its ceramics.
Another European route launching on the same day will be to Rome Fiumicino in Italy, with ITA Airways.
There will be two flights each day, operating from Terminal 2 costing from £138.24 return per person and the airport is about a half-an-hour drive from the city.
Rome, the capital of Italy, boasts several famous historical sites including the Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum, and the Pantheon.
And whilst you are in the city, you can even head to another country – Vatican City – where you can see St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums and Michelangelo’s masterpiece in the Sistine Chapel.
ITA Airways will be launching a route to Rome Fiumicino – just 30 minutes from the capitalCredit: Alamy
A second US route launching soon will be to Seattle with Alaska Airlines.
Starting on May 22, the route will operate daily from Terminal 3 and cost from £523.04 return per person.
Seattle is one of America’s fastest-growing tech hubs and notable landmarks include the Space Needle observation tower and the Olympic Sculpture Park.
Foodies can also visit Chinatown, which is also home to the only pan-Asian art and history museum in America.
Pakistan International Airlines will also be launching two new routes by the end of March, marking the airline’s return to Heathrow after six years.
The first will be to Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, on March 29, operating three times a week from Terminal 4, with return fares costing from £764.
The second route will be to Lahore, which is the second largest city in Pakistan.
The route will launch a weekly service on March 30, from Terminal 4.
And Alaska Airlines is launching a route to Seattle in AmericaCredit: Alamy
There are several travel warnings in place for Pakistan, so it is worth checking the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office travel advice before travelling.
Ross Baker, Heathrow’s Chief Customer Officer, said: “Every route launched from Heathrow gives passengers and businesses a new way to explore the world.
“Whether travelling for work or leisure, we are proud to collaborate with our airline partners to open up opportunities for passengers, exporters and importers.
“Greater connectivity is something passengers and businesses consistently say they want, which is why Heathrow expansion is so critical.
“It will add new routes and introduce more choice.
“Our plans will ensure the country gets the infrastructure it needs to stay competitive, connecting the whole of the UK to global growth.”
