The Russian Federation has long been actively searching for technological solutions capable of ensuring the large-scale production of air attack weapons at minimal cost. One of the key results of this strategy was the introduction of jet modifications of Shahed-type UAVs, which are radically changing the tactics of air strikes against Ukraine. Such steps are aimed at exhausting the Ukrainian air defense system and creating constant psychological pressure on the civilian population.
Evolution of Air Attack Weapons
As aviation expert Anatoliy Khrapchynskyi notes in the «TSE BAZA» podcast, at the initial stage of the full-scale invasion, main strikes were carried out using expensive Kh-101, Kh-55, and Kh-22 cruise missiles launched from strategic bombers. However, the shortage of such missiles and the colossal cost of their maintenance forced Moscow to look for alternative options. The first significant step was the modernization of the Kh-69 missile for launches from tactical aircraft, followed by experiments with ground platforms and internal combustion engine drones.
Emergence of Jet Modifications and the Karrar Threat
The next technological stage was equipping UAVs with jet engines. While the first versions of drones could not exceed speeds of 300 km/h due to design features, subsequent airframe enhancement made it possible to create modifications accelerating up to 500 km/h. Concurrently, according to the expert, the Russian side obtained design documentation for the Iranian Karrar drone, resulting in new weapons capable of covering long distances at higher speeds.
Contradictory Data
In the expert community and open sources, there are certain discrepancies regarding the exact characteristics and timelines for the large-scale deployment of new modifications. While official reports indicate the successful integration of jet engines and serial production of Geran-4 and Geran-5, independent analysts and OSINT investigators note that many samples arrive at the front straight from the assembly line without completing a full testing cycle. Nevertheless, the general trend toward cheaper destruction means and attempts to imitate massive historical bombings is confirmed by all specialized experts.
Large-Scale Terror and Challenges for Ukrainian Air Defense
The main goal of switching to jet drones is the desire to plunge Ukrainian cities into a state of round-the-clock air raid alerts and ensure the maximum volume of cheap launches. The difficulty of intercepting such targets lies in their low visibility for traditional radar systems combined with high speed and significant flight range. Experts emphasize that Russia's current actions essentially resemble the historical bombings of London, aimed primarily at the psychological exhaustion of society.
