Russia Fields Jet-Powered Geran Drones That Are Harder to Intercept

Russian forces have altered their deployment strategy for Geran-2 attack drones, the Russian version of Iran-designed Shahed drones.

They are now assigning specialized variants to distinct operational tasks, according to Forbes on July 14.

The tactical shift comes after Ukrainian air defenses achieved a 92% to 96% interception rate against baseline, gasoline-powered Shahed variants, according to Serhii "Flash" Beskrestnov, an advisor to Ukraine's Minister of Defense.

To counter these high interception numbers, Russia now launches approximately 200 standard Geran-2 drones every 24 hours to target front-line areas. These standard units operate in coordinated groups using a decentralized mesh network to communicate, reducing reliance on satellite navigation and improving resistance to electronic warfare.

For strikes deeper inside Ukraine, Russian forces have turned to jet-powered Geran-3 and Geran-4 modifications. These high-speed variants are deployed after a multi-stage reconnaissance process maps out flight paths that bypass known air defense positions.

The newer models are equipped with optical and infrared sensors, allowing them to detect interceptor drones, locate air defense installations, and track targets independently amid intense electronic jamming.

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War in Ukraine

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According to aviation expert Kostiantyn Kryvolap, the jet-powered variants reach speeds between 450 and 550 kilometers per hour, making it difficult for Ukrainian interceptor drones to catch them in flight.

This speed advantage has led Russian forces to integrate jet drones alongside cruise and ballistic missiles during large-scale strikes. In response to the reported expansion of the Geran-4 program, Ukraine is currently developing new countermeasures, including advanced detection systems and jet-powered interceptors.

Earlier, Ukrainian P1-SUN interceptors downed Russian Gerbera drones equipped with FPV drones on board for the first time.

The P1-SUN is a Ukrainian-made interceptor drone produced by SkyFall. It is designed to strike Shahed drones and other aerial targets. The company states the interceptor can reach speeds of 310 kilometers per hour and operate at altitudes of up to 9,000 meters.

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