Russia is increasing the use of fast jet drones in Ukraine

Russia is now using more and more jet-powered drones, the so-called Geran-4. They are significantly faster than the older Shahed-based models - and thus more difficult to fight.

According to Ukrainian intelligence, they can reach 500 km/h and fly at an altitude of up to 5,000 meters.

According to David Hambling, technical writer with a focus on drone development, it is above all the speed that makes the difference.

- Generally speaking, something like a robot is required to shoot down something moving at that speed. And such are, of course, both very expensive and very few, notes David Hambling.

Increased greatly

The percentage of Geran-4 attacks has increased sharply in recent months, and Ukrainian Air Force spokesman Colonel Yuriy Ihnat told Business Insider that jet-powered drones make up two-thirds of the drones in some Russian strikes.

At the same time, the total number of drones has decreased, according to David Hambling. But he says that there still seem to be more people who hit their targets.

- But it is too early to draw any firm conclusions - and a better air defense may soon take the edge off the advantage of the jet engines.