Ukraine’s Robotic Turrets Record First Shootdowns of Russia’s Jet-Powered Geran-5 Drones

Ukraine has recorded its first confirmed interceptions of Russian jet-powered drones using automated gun turrets equipped with artificial intelligence and machine-vision systems, according to Air Force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat.

Air Force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat said on October 5 that Ukraine’s robotic turret systems have already downed jet-powered UAVs, including Russia’s Geran-5. “There have already been shootdowns of even jet-powered UAVs, even the Geran-5, using those same turrets,” Ihnat said during Ukraine’s national telethon.

He said the systems rely on machine vision and artificial intelligence to automate targeting and reduce the role of human error during interception.

“The use of innovative technologies—artificial intelligence—eliminated human error. Machine vision is used specifically in the interception. Artificial intelligence makes it possible to engage even jet-powered UAVs,” Ihnat said.

The turrets have a relatively limited engagement range because their primary weapon remains a machine gun, according to Ihnat.

Russia has increasingly combined conventional Shahed-type attack drones with faster jet-powered UAVs during strikes against Ukraine. Ihnat said Russian forces launched around 50 jet-powered drones per night during each of the previous two nights.

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War in Ukraine

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According to figures cited by Ihnat, Ukrainian forces currently intercept approximately 85% to 92% of conventional Shahed-type drones. The estimated interception rate for jet-powered UAVs is lower, at around 50% to 70%.

The automated turrets are being deployed at selected locations, including around bridges, as Ukraine expands a layered defense network intended to protect infrastructure from low-flying attack drones.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on October 4 that more than 12 such turrets had already been deployed in Kyiv, with another eight planned for the surrounding Kyiv region.

Zelenskyy said Ukraine needs a combination of different air-defense systems as Russia adjusts its strike tactics and increasingly introduces faster drones and ballistic missiles alongside conventional Shahed-type UAVs.

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