Russia’s new drone strategy: How jet-powered Gerans are changing the economics of warfare
Russia has significantly increased its use of jet-powered Geran drones in Ukraine, creating a new tactical challenge for air defense systems. These drones offer a cost-effective middle ground between slow propeller drones and expensive cruise missiles.
Why it matters
Highlights the evolving economics and technology of modern warfare, specifically the shift toward mass-produced, high-speed autonomous weapons.
Russia has significantly stepped up the use of its new jet-powered Geran drones against Ukraine, with the weapons being launched every day throughout August.According to the Ukrainian military data analysed by BBC Verify, Russia's use of the new drones rose sharply in recent months, with 350 jet-powered drone attacks recorded in June, 1,600 in July and 2,800 in August.The new drones can travel at more than 300 mph, significantly faster than Russia's older propeller-driven Geran models, making them harder for Ukrainian air defences to intercept.Ukraine is now seeking to adapt its air-defence systems to the new threat. Maj Gen Vadym Skibitskyi, deputy head of Ukraine's military intelligence, said Kyiv needs new interceptor missiles capable of matching the speed of the jet-powered drones.
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