Key facts
- Russia is increasing its use of jet-powered drones in Ukraine.
- These drones travel at speeds up to 500 km/h, making them difficult for Ukrainian interceptors to counter.
- Ukraine's air defense systems are being strained by the need to use missiles against these advanced drones.
- Newer models like the Geran-3 and Geran-5 have longer ranges and improved capabilities.
- Russia aims for jet-powered drones to constitute 50% of its aerial attack systems.
Russia is escalating its use of advanced jet-powered drones in Ukraine, posing a significant challenge to the country's air defense capabilities. These drones, capable of speeds up to 500 km/h, are designed to outmaneuver and overwhelm Ukraine's interceptor drones, which typically operate at speeds around 300 km/h.
According to Ukraine's Air Force spokesperson Colonel Yurii Ihnat, the deployment of these faster drones means that traditional mobile fire groups and anti-drone interceptors are becoming less effective. Consequently, Ukraine is forced to rely on missiles for interception, a strategy that depletes its limited stockpiles.
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi noted that Russia is continuously evolving its drone tactics, aiming to increase the proportion of jet-powered strike drones to 50% of its aerial arsenal. This shift makes it increasingly difficult for Ukraine's air defenses to respond effectively.
Details emerging from Ukraine's military intelligence agency (HUR) reveal advancements in Russian drone technology. The Geran-3, a successor to the propeller-driven Geran-2, is equipped with a turbojet engine, enabling speeds up to 370 km/h and a range of 1,000 km. More recently, in January 2026, HUR reported the use of the Geran-5, which features an even more powerful Telefly jet engine. This model is approximately 6 meters long with a 5.5-meter wingspan, carries a 90kg warhead, and also boasts a range of nearly 1,000 km, potentially reaching any target within Ukraine.
Despite these challenges, Ukraine's air defense forces have maintained a high interception rate, reportedly exceeding 90%. However, the necessity of using expensive air defense missiles against these sophisticated drone threats continues to strain Ukraine's resources.