Russia’s Jet-Powered Drones Outpacing Ukraine’s Air Defences
BBC News reports that Russia has been deploying its new rapid jet-powered drones against Ukraine daily throughout August, according to analysis of Ukrainian Air Force data by BBC Verify. This marks the first time such daily attacks by Moscow’s upgraded Geran drones were recorded.
President Volodymyr Zelensky has condemned the escalating drone attacks, describing them as an unfolding "horror" over Kyiv’s skies. Ukraine’s military has reported a significant increase in jet-powered drone attacks, rising from 350 in June to 2,800 in August.
These drones, powered by turbojet engines, can cruise at speeds exceeding 300mph, making them difficult for Ukraine’s interceptors to counter. Some engines are reportedly sourced from China.
On 1 September, these drones were involved in attacks that killed at least 12 people and injured 20, including railway workers in Kyiv. Earlier this year, Ukraine had success intercepting 94% of long-range drones, but the speed of the newer models has sparked an arms race.
Ukraine is developing new interceptor missiles capable of matching the drone’s speed, while Russia’s economic incentive lies in the drones’ increased speed and manoeuvrability, blurring the line with cruise missiles. However, jet-drones still have limitations, including shorter attack ranges and smaller warheads, compared to cruise missiles.
Satellite images suggest Russia is redesigning facilities dedicated to fighting these advanced drones.
