Russia’s new jet drones pound Ukraine as Kyiv races to develop interceptors

Ukraine is racing to build a new layer of air defenses as Russia deploys jet-powered Shahed drones in larger numbers and around the clock. The drones have struck Kyiv and surrounding areas, while attacks have also reached warehouses, fuel stations, postal facilities and factories.

CNN identified the aircraft as jet-powered versions of the Shahed family, including the Geran-4 and Geran-5. Their speed is reportedly three times that of the original Shahed drones Russia initially bought from Iran, making them harder to intercept when they arrive in large formations.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Aug. 30 that Russian drone attacks had not stopped and that many involved jet-powered Shaheds. Serhiy Beskrestnov, an adviser to Zelenskyy, said on Facebook that Russia deployed about 1,500 of the drones in July and more than 2,500 in August. He said many were launched almost immediately after leaving production.

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almost immediately after leaving production

Ukraine’s military intelligence agency has accused foreign companies in the United States, Britain and China of supplying hundreds of components used in the drones. Ukrainian officials say the intensive strikes aim to exhaust the country’s air defenses, weaken civilian morale and widen attacks on grain storage, shops and energy infrastructure.

Zelenskyy said Ukraine currently relies mainly on fighter jets against the jet drones, but that option is expensive and strains the country’s relatively small air force. Four companies have developed competing interceptor drones and begun field tests. Defense Minister Evgeniy Khmara said the priority was to bring the designs to the required standard and increase production to thousands of units. The Sting interceptor has reportedly shot down two jet drones, while F-Drones says its upgraded LITAVR+ can exceed 400 kilometers per hour.

Former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov is seeking partnerships with U.S. defense technology companies. He has also proposed new businesses focused on battlefield needs, including robots for evacuating personnel from dangerous front-line areas and low-cost AI-guided missiles. Russia, meanwhile, has developed the Banderol cruise missile, which has reportedly been used against Odesa’s port and disrupted Ukraine’s grain exports.

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