#Jet Drones

The Ukrainian Air Force warned that Russia may increase the share of jet drones in strikes up to 80%. The speed of such UAVs reaches 600 km/h, requiring the development of new high-speed interceptors.

On October 1, Ukrainian air defense neutralized 78 out of 97 enemy drones attacking the country. Over 83% of the downed targets were new jet drones.

On the afternoon of September 30, 2026, Ukrainian air defense forces destroyed over 80% of jet drones during a massive air attack. The enemy used hundreds of UAVs, and some targets remain in the air.

Russian forces first used jet drones with a 40 kg cumulative-cutting charge to destroy bridges and power lines, Serhii Flash reported.

The Ukrainian Defense Minister urged the EU to urgently fund jet drone interceptors and transfer Patriot missiles this autumn to counter new threats.

Zelensky, during a press conference with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, stated that Ukraine needs co-production of weapons with partners to counter Russian jet-powered drones.

Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Palisa, at a meeting with Witkoff and Kushner, revealed that Russia's politburo set a deadline for the full occupation of Donetsk Oblast by the end of 2026, while Russian military officials are asking for an extension to March 31, 2027.

The developer of the 'Bars' jet-powered drones told RBC-Ukraine in an interview that link stability is the main challenge in creating long-range UAVs and confirmed the availability of online control on enemy territory using AI-based targeting.

The Ukrainian President's advisor stated that Russia is ramping up production of jet-powered drones exceeding 320 km/h: about 2,500 units were launched in August, and Moscow plans tens of thousands of new machines and cruise missiles for 2027.

Since August 27, Russia has been carrying out continuous strikes on Kyiv with jet-powered 'Geran-4' and 'Geran-5' drones, and by November it plans to raise their share in attacks to 80%. The main bottleneck remains Chinese turbojet engines.

Russia has established mass production of jet engines for drones through 3D printing of turbines, cutting the unit cost to $50,000–70,000. Ukraine has introduced a two-tier air alert system.

On September 1, Russia launched 99 strike drones at Ukraine, 72 of which were jet-powered. The Ukrainian Air Force reported destroying 82 drones; the attack was still ongoing by evening.

Andrii Kovalenko, head of the NSSC CDD, stated that Russia is striking Kyiv in small waves of jet drones to exhaust air defense and the population. On the night of August 28, logistics facilities in Kyiv Oblast were attacked.