According to sources, the new Geran models use jet engines with a cruising speed of about 400 km/h, nearly double the Geran version using a piston engine. High speed makes these UAVs a more difficult target to intercept for Ukraine's air defense system.
Russia has started producing and bringing Geran UAV models using jet engines into combat in a significant number from this spring.
The increase in speed is considered a notable change in the development of the Geran UAV line. With a higher speed, the time for air defense forces to detect, track and deploy interceptor weapons is also shortened.
Previously, Russia used faster UAV models in attacks on Ukraine. Some new models developed from the Geran UAV line originated from Iran's Shahed design.
In 4 days, Russia launched about 1,500 UAVs into Ukraine, of which about 800 are high-speed jet engine models. These UAVs have a cruising speed of about 200-250 miles/hour, equivalent to about 320-400 km/h, about twice as fast as the old models.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also said that more than half of the UAVs used by Russia in recent attacks belong to the high-speed group. According to sources, the cheap air defense systems that Ukraine is using face more difficulties in dealing with these fast-flying targets.
The increasing appearance of jet-powered UAVs is forcing Ukraine to find ways to adapt. Sources say that Ukraine is currently promoting the development of faster interceptor UAVs to cope with the new threat. Engineers from 4 companies are racing to develop UAV models with appropriate interception capabilities.
Russia's increased use of high-speed UAVs is taking place in the context of increasing drone attacks on Ukraine.
