Russia deploys jet-powered Geran drones at 500 km/h against Ukrainian cities
This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
Russia has shifted from slow propeller-driven Geran drones to jet-powered models reaching 500 km/h, complicating Ukraine's air defense. Ukrainian Air Force spokesman Yuriy Ihnat said up to two-thirds of Gerans in some attacks now carry jet engines, making them as effective as cruise missiles. The shift comes as Russian strikes killed 38 people in Myla, Kyiv region, on August 28.
Key Facts
- Russia has begun using jet-powered Geran drones with speeds up to 500 km/h, replacing slower propeller-driven models.
- Ukrainian Air Force spokesman Yuriy Ihnat said up to two-thirds of Geran drones in some attacks are now jet-powered, making them comparable to cruise missiles.
- Ukraine's air defense intercepted about 90% of older Geran drones in summer, but the success rate against jet-powered versions is significantly lower.
- A Russian strike on the village of Myla in Kyiv region on August 28 killed 38 civilians.
Jet-Powered Geran Drones
Russia has transitioned from slow propeller-driven Geran drones, modeled on Iran's Shahed, to jet-powered variants capable of 500 km/h. Ukrainian Air Force spokesman Yuriy Ihnat stated that in some attacks, up to two-thirds of launched Gerans are jet-powered, making them as effective as cruise missiles. The higher speed of jet-powered Gerans significantly reduces the interception success rate of Ukraine's air defense systems.
Air Defense Challenges
During the summer, Ukraine's air defense intercepted about 90% of older Geran drones, but the share of jet-powered models reaching targets is considerably higher. Russia also continues to attack Ukrainian cities with ballistic and cruise missiles, with ballistic missiles posing greater difficulty due to Ukraine's shortage of Patriot interceptor missiles. Yuriy Ihnat said Russia's current tactic is to exhaust Ukraine and its people, primarily the civilian population.
Civilian Casualties
Russian strikes have killed hundreds of civilians in recent months. On August 28, a strike on the village of Myla in Kyiv region killed 38 people.
1 source
Russia deploys jet-powered Geran drones at 500 km/h against Ukrainian cities
