Ukraine Deploys New Turbojet Interceptor to Counter Russian Geran-5 Drones

Ukraine announced the deployment of a new interceptor designed to engage Russia's jet-powered Geran-5 drones. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy posted video showing the delta-wing drone launched from a rail catapult and flying over open fields, noting it had been "successfully deployed" by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU).

The interceptor appears to use a turbojet engine, a shift from the quadcopter-style interceptors previously used by Kyiv. Thermal imaging from the drone’s camera captured a heat signature on the tail of the target, indicating the Geran-5 also relies on a turbojet for propulsion. The SBU identified the target as a Geran-5, a Russian attack drone capable of speeds up to 373 mph and carrying a 200-pound warhead.

"The new Ukrainian interceptor is designed for defending against jet-powered 'Shaheds'," Zelenskyy said.

On Sunday, the SBU released footage of a second Geran-5 being destroyed by the same system. The interceptor, named Sting S by manufacturer Wild Hornets, is reported to be operated by the 1020th Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment.

The Geran-5, while not a direct copy of the Iranian Shahed drone, is viewed as Russia's version of the Karrar attack drone and has prompted Kyiv to seek faster, mass-producible counter-measures. Earlier in August, Ukraine’s defense ministry unveiled the Alexa Spatium, another turbojet-powered winged interceptor.