---
title: "Tactical Shift: Russia Switches to Massed Attacks with Jet-Powered 'Shahed' Drones Against Ukraine"
description: "Russia changes attack tactics: betting on jet-powered 'Shaheds' instead of gasoline ones due to the high effectiveness of Ukrainian air defense. Expert 'Flash' warned about the transition to targeted strikes and the use of new 'Geran-3' and 'Geran-4' models 🚁🇺🇦"
date: 2026-07-06T13:20:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/tactical-shift-russia-switches-to-massed-attacks-with-jet-powered-shahed-drones-against-ukraine
tags: []
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Tactical Shift: Russia Switches to Massed Attacks with Jet-Powered 'Shahed' Drones Against Ukraine

![Rocket drone 'Shahed' on display: symbol of Russia's new tactic of mass attacks on Ukraine](https://xab.info/media/2026/07/06/rossiya-menyayt-taktiku-atak-reaktivnymi-shahedami-po-ukraine/rossiya-menyayt-taktiku-atak-reaktivnymi-shahedami-po-ukraine-1.webp)

The military situation on the front lines is dictating new rules of the game. Russia is radically changing its strategy for employing combat unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) against Ukraine. As it has become known, Moscow is betting on a sharp increase in the share of jet-powered drones of the 'Shahed' type in its attacks, moving away from previous schemes of mass deployment of gasoline-powered models.

This was reported by the advisor to the Minister of Defense of Ukraine and radio technology expert Serhiy 'Flash' Beskretnov in his Telegram channel. According to him, such a scenario of events was predictable as far back as a year ago.

### Why is the drone type changing?

The key factor behind the change in tactics was the effectiveness of the Ukrainian air defense. 'Flash' noted that after Ukraine's air defense began shooting down from 92% to 96% of gasoline-powered 'Shaheds' during attacks on the deep rear, their further use became inexpedient for the Russian side.

As a result, the enemy redirected efforts toward jet modifications. 'Their numbers are growing,' the advisor emphasized. At the same time, the total number of 'Shaheds' of all types launched against Ukraine has decreased, according to the expert. However, these drones remain a priority tool for strikes against border territories and cities.

### Features of new attacks

The situation at the border is characterized by high intensity. Approximately 200 drones attack critical infrastructure daily: gas stations, warehouses, energy infrastructure, and transport hubs.

Proximity to the border allows Russian operators to massively use radio control via mesh modems. Under such conditions, traditional methods of suppressing satellite navigation (GPS/GLONASS) become ineffective, as the drone does not depend on satellite signals.

The expert also pointed out the reorientation of part of Russia's production capacity toward the serial production of specifically jet versions of 'Shaheds'.

### Transition to targeted strikes

In addition to changing the engine type, the occupiers are also changing the tactics of application itself. There is a transition from chaotic mass strikes to selective, carefully planned attacks. The preparation process looks as follows:

    - Specific important targets are selected.

    - Multistage reconnaissance of objects is conducted.

    - Ukraine's defense lines are studied, including EW systems, radar stations, and anti-aircraft missile systems.

    - Corridors for bypassing interceptors are probed.

    - Flight routes are constructed using various altitudes and speeds.

Particular danger is posed by the use of the 'Seeker' modification, which is equipped with a target acquisition function.

### New models and air defense effectiveness

More advanced samples are appearing in the enemy's arsenal. Since the spring of 2026, Russia has been using the new jet-powered combat drone 'Geran-4', which is distinguished by increased speed and maneuverability compared to previous versions. In addition, jet-powered UAVs 'Geran-3', capable of reaching speeds of up to 300 km/h, are already being actively used.

Despite the complication of the enemy's tactics, the Ukrainian defense demonstrates high effectiveness. As the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, stated, the majority of neutralized Russian 'Shaheds' and 'Gerans' are the result of the work of Ukrainian interceptor drones. In May alone, they shot down more than 3,500 enemy unmanned aerial vehicles.