Overview
- Ukraine's military intelligence reported this month that Russia has started deploying the jet-powered Geran‑4 in attacks as a response to growing interceptor effectiveness.
- The GUR says the Geran‑4 uses a Chinese-made turbojet, can reach about 500 km/h, cruise at roughly 5,000 meters, and carry a warhead over roughly 450 km.
- Ukraine's defense minister says Geran-type kills by interceptor drones have doubled since the start of the year and an adviser says Ukrainian teams demonstrated downing Geran‑4 and Geran‑5 last month.
- Kyiv is testing faster interceptor drones, building a stockpile of low-cost interceptor missiles, and makers report they are developing higher-speed counter-drone models to chase jet variants.
- Analysts warn the change widens the tactical arms race: Russia has expanded launch infrastructure, recent strikes have caused civilian casualties, and Ukraine is racing to scale defenses before seasonal strike increases.