Russia’s Daily Use of Jet-Powered Drones Outpacing Ukraine’s Air Defences
Russia has been employing its new rapid, jet-powered drones against Ukraine on a daily basis throughout August, according to BBC Verify’s analysis of Ukrainian Air Force data. This marks the first time such consistent use was recorded.
President Volodymyr Zelensky described the escalating drone attacks as an unfolding "horror" over Kyiv’s skies. Ukraine’s military reported a significant increase in jet-powered drone strikes, rising from 350 in June to over 2,800 in August. In five of those nightly attacks during August, the new drones outnumbered older models.
These advanced drones, known as Geran, can cruise at speeds exceeding 300mph, making them far faster than Ukraine’s interceptors. They are powered by turbojet engines, some sourced from China, according to Ukrainian military intelligence.
On September 1st, these drones were reportedly involved in attacks that killed at least 12 people and injured 20 more, including railway workers in Kyiv.
Earlier this year, Ukraine successfully intercepted 94% of long-range drones, but the speed of the newer models has triggered a new arms race. Ukrainian officials have acknowledged the need for new interceptor missiles capable of matching the jet-drones’ speed.
Four Ukrainian companies are testing missiles designed to bring down Geran drones, with Defense Minister Yevhenii Khmara tasked with producing "thousands" as soon as possible.
John Hardie from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies noted that the improved speed and manoeuvrability of these models blur the line between them and more expensive cruise missiles.
However, Conflict Armament Research emphasized that jet-drones are not yet as advanced as cruise missiles, having shorter attack ranges, smaller warheads, and being more susceptible to jamming systems.
Satellite images suggest Russia is also redesigning facilities dedicated to fighting the war.
