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Russia has been launching its new jet-powered drones against Ukraine every day throughout August, according to an analysis of Ukrainian Air Force data by BBC Verify. This marks the first time that daily attacks by Moscow's upgraded Geran drones have been recorded. The increased use of these drones has prompted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to condemn what he described as an unfolding "horror" over Kyiv.
The Ukrainian military reported a significant rise in jet-powered drone attacks, escalating from 350 in June to 1,600 in July and 2,800 in August. In several of the nightly attacks in August, these drones outnumbered older models. Dr. Marina Miron, a military technology expert, noted that the speed of the new drones makes it much more difficult for Ukraine to intercept them.
The upgraded drones can cruise at speeds exceeding 300 mph, significantly faster than older models and beyond the capabilities of Ukraine's interceptors. These drones are powered by turbojet engines, some of which are reportedly sourced from China. Zelensky stated that drone attacks on September 1 resulted in at least 12 fatalities and 20 injuries, including six railway workers killed when a depot was struck in Kyiv.
Earlier this year, Ukraine had success in countering Russian drones, intercepting 94% of long-range drones. However, the speed of the newer drones has intensified the arms race between Kyiv and Moscow. Ukraine's military intelligence has indicated a need for new interceptor missiles that can match the speed of these jet drones. Four Ukrainian companies are reportedly testing missiles designed to shoot down the new Geran models, and the defense minister has tasked them with rapid production.
Russia has economic incentives to invest in jet-powered drones, as their increased speed and maneuverability blur the line between drones and more expensive cruise missiles. Analysts have pointed out that the tactical complexity of the attacks, combined with a global shortage of air defense systems, has led to declining interception rates for Ukraine. Satellite images suggest that Russia is redesigning facilities to accommodate jet-powered drones, indicating a strategic shift in their military operations.