Russia Deploys New Jet-Powered Attack Drones Against Kyiv
Russia is increasingly using a new generation of jet-powered attack drones in strikes against Kyiv, creating a growing challenge for Ukraine’s air defenses.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia has developed faster and higher-flying Shahed-type drones that are significantly more difficult to intercept than earlier propeller-driven models.
More than 120 drones were launched against Ukraine during the September 28 attacks, with around 90 identified as jet-powered. Ukrainian officials say these drones can fly faster and at higher altitudes, reducing the effectiveness of conventional interceptor systems.
The new weapons are forcing Ukraine to accelerate development and deployment of faster interceptor drones specifically designed to counter Russia’s jet-powered Shahed variants.
The emergence of these systems marks a new stage in the drone war, as Russia seeks to overwhelm Ukraine’s air defenses with faster, more difficult-to-intercept weapons.