Ukraine's air defense has become less effective at shooting down Russian drones due to the introduction of the Geran jet-powered drones — FT
According to the Financial Times, the effectiveness of Ukraine’s air defense against Russian drones has dropped from approximately 95% to 60% following the introduction of new Russian drones equipped with jet engines.
These are the “Geran-5” drones—a modernized version of the attack drones that Russia is developing based on Iranian Shahed models. The new drones are significantly faster and heavier, making them harder to intercept during massive attacks.
By comparison, earlier versions of Russian drones could carry up to 20 kg of explosives and reach speeds of approximately 185 km/h. According to available data, the “Geran-5” is capable of traveling up to 1,000 km at a speed of about 600 km/h and carrying a warhead weighing up to 90 kg.
The electronic and optical equipment of the new drones poses an additional threat. They can use thermal imaging cameras, AI-powered guidance systems, and antennas protected against radio jamming.
In addition, the drones use Chinese modems for mesh radio networks. This technology allows the drones to exchange data with one another and use individual drones as a kind of signal repeater.
The emergence of a large number of high-speed jet-powered UAVs poses a new challenge for Ukraine. Air defense forces are forced to adapt to targets that move significantly faster than traditional Shahed drones and, at the same time, are equipped with more sophisticated navigation systems and countermeasures against electronic warfare.
Source: Financial Times
On September 10, in Kyiv’s Svyatoshynsky District, a drone crashed in an open area in a forest near a shopping center. According to preliminary reports, there was no fire and no casualties.
In the Solomyanskyi district of Kyiv, an enemy drone struck the roof of a four-story business center. Emergency services were dispatched to the scene to investigate the circumstances and address the aftermath of the incident.
