Ukraine faces rising challenges from Russia's faster jet-powered Geran drones
Russia's new jet-powered Geran drones are striking Ukrainian cities at higher rates, while Ukraine's attempts to counter them with existing defenses and new interceptors have struggled.
Russia has deployed a new class of jet-powered drones, known as Geran, that travel at speeds exceeding 300 mph and can carry payloads of up to 200 pounds. Ukrainian officials say the drones are evading air defenses more effectively, with interception rates falling to just over 60 percent in August, compared with more than 90 percent for earlier, slower models, according to a Wall Street Journal analysis.
The upgraded "Seeker" variants are reported to have visual target-recognition capabilities, the ability to continue flight if contact with an operator is lost, and resistance to jamming. Ukraine has responded by employing a range of assets, from F-16 fighters to portable missile systems, while also working to develop its own jet-powered interceptor drones.
Ukrainian military data reviewed by Reuters indicates that Russia increased its use of jet-powered drones sixfold over the summer. A senior Ukrainian commander told Reuters on Friday that the country had lost the initiative against the new drones. Investigators note that Russian production relies on dual-use components imported from China and Western countries despite sanctions.