Ukraine just caught a Geran-5 at 425 km/h—the jet drone that has often outrun Ukrainian interceptor drones since January

Ukrainian air defenses have acquired specialized interceptors to combat Russia's jet-powered attack drones, which have proven challenging for conventional defenses to intercept. The 1020th Anti-Aircraft Missile and Artillery Regiment successfully downed a Geran-5 drone over Chernihiv Oblast with one of these new interceptors. Russia has been utilizing long-range drone and missile attacks to weaken Ukraine's air defenses and infrastructure ahead of winter.

The crew, designated Yastrub (Hawk), achieved their first successful engagement with the new interceptor, targeting the jet drone at 425 km/h and above 3 km. The interceptors were supplied by the Prytula Foundation, which has contracted manufacturers to counter the jet drone threat. Russia first deployed the Geran-5 in January 2026, boasting a warhead of 90 kg, cruise speed of 450–600 km/h, range of 950 km, and a ceiling of 6 km.

Ukraine's military intelligence estimates Russia produces approximately 3,000 jet-powered Geran-4 and Geran-5 drones monthly. The Kremlin has accused Ukraine of needing to "pay a price" following Russia's recent drone attack on Kyiv's Academy of Sciences. As of 26 September, Ukraine has intercepted around 55% of Russia's jet drones, compared to over 90% of the older models.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that Russia launched more than 2,730 jet drones since the start of September, while Ukraine has downed or suppressed over 1,500. Zelenskyy also revealed Russia's plan to allocate $12 billion in 2027 for jet drones and loitering munitions. Ukraine has deployed various interceptor prototypes in combat, and the 1020th crew's successful kill is one of several recent intercepts involving jet Geran drones.