Russia is 'betting primarily' on jet-powered Shahed drones, pivoting from older models: Ukraine's navy
Ukraine's navy reports that Russia is shifting its drone strategy by prioritizing faster, jet-powered Shahed models over older propeller-driven versions. This pivot is a response to Ukraine's improved interception capabilities, with Russia aiming for jet-powered systems to eventually make up half of its long-range attack waves.
Why it matters
The evolution of drone warfare technology directly impacts the effectiveness of air defense systems and the strategic balance of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
A jet-powered Shahed drone is seen from behind, filmed by a Ukrainian interceptor drone. Serhii Sternenko A Ukrainian navy spokesperson said Russia is pivoting in its use of attack drones like the Shahed. It's now 'betting primarily' on jet-powered drones and easing off its older models, they said. Russia has increasingly used these faster attack drones in response to Ukraine's cheap interceptors. Russia has been reducing its usage of conventional long-range attack drones in favor of more advanced, jet-powered ones , the spokesperson for Ukraine's navy said on Monday. "The Russians are reducing the number of conventional drones they use while effectively increasing the number of jet-powered drones," said Capt. 3rd Rank Dmytro Pletenchuk, in an interview with Ukrainian state TV outlet Ukrinform. "In other words, the Russians are now betting primarily on those," he added.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in