Russia's jet drones challenge Ukraine, India builds its own answer

Russia's jet-powered attack drones have emerged as one of the toughest challenges facing Ukraine's air defences this year, flying faster and higher than the older propeller-driven Shahed-136s that have battered the country for years and proving far harder to intercept.The latest variant, the Geran-4, first surfaced last May. Unlike its predecessor, it was purpose-built for high-speed flight, as the older airframe could not withstand the stress of manoeuvring at such velocities. Its blended air intake and reinforced structure allow it to fly at altitudes of up to eight kilometres, twice as high as the drones it replaces, reaching speeds of 450 to 500 kilometres an hour and covering distances of over 700 kilometres.The engine powering it is Chinese-made, though some units are reportedly assembled inside Russia using Chinese components.