Russia surged high-speed jet-powered Shahed attacks by 5 times in a single month, Ukraine's air force said
Russia has significantly increased its use of jet-powered Shahed drones in attacks against Ukraine, according to Ukrainian officials. These newer models are faster and higher-flying than previous versions, posing a greater challenge for existing air defense systems.
Why it matters
The escalation in drone technology and volume represents a significant shift in the tactical landscape of the ongoing conflict, forcing Ukraine to adapt its defense strategies.
Russia has been surging its use of Geran-3 and Geran-4 jet-powered drones. Miia Kliushnykova/Gwara Media/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images Ukraine says Russia increased jet-powered Shahed attacks by five times from June to July. The new drones pose a major problem for Ukraine since they fly much faster and higher. A major drone expert says Russia launched 1,500 of these drones in July, and over 2,500 in August. Russia attacked Ukraine in July with five times as many jet-powered Shahed loitering munitions as it did in June, according to Ukraine's air force. The monthly surge points to how Moscow has sharply increased mass production of the advanced attack drones, which fly much higher and faster than their propeller-only predecessors. Yuriy Ignat, a spokesperson for the Ukrainian air force, cited the fivefold increase while speaking on local television on Monday.
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