Russia's jet-powered drones increase daytime attacks in Ukraine
Russia's use of 800 jet-powered drones over four days has led to prolonged daytime air raids in Kyiv, creating new challenges for Ukraine's defenses.
Kyiv has faced prolonged daytime air raids after Russia launched 800 jet-powered drones at Ukraine within four days, creating new challenges for Ukraine's air defense.
Characteristics of jet-powered drones
The new model Shahed drones have a cruising speed of 200 to 250 mph, roughly double the 115 mph speed reached by the piston-engine version.
Zelenskyy's statements
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Sunday that jet-powered models make up more than half of the drones used by Russia to attack and wear down the country.
Attack on the ammunition depot in Myla village
On Thursday, a Geran-4 model struck an ammunition depot in the village of Myla, 15 miles west of Kyiv, resulting in one of the deadliest single attacks of the war and causing thirty-eight deaths.
Daytime air alerts and their effects
Daytime attacks launched in waves by Russia over the past five days have caused prolonged air raid alerts and forced businesses to halt operations, particularly in Kyiv.
Supply chains and production growth
Russia is producing more jet-powered drones in two models, Geran-4 and Geran-5 manufactured at the factory in Yelabuga, than the original piston-engine variants.
Air defense and new measures
While Ukraine has developed low-cost ground-based interceptors to destroy piston-engine Shaheds, engineers are currently working on faster interceptor drones capable of shooting down jet-powered Shaheds.