Russia working on boosting jet-powered drone speeds to 700 km/h — expert

Russia is reportedly working to boost the maximum speed of its jet-powered Geran-5 drones to between 700 and 800 kilometers per hour, according to aviation expert Anatolii Khrapchynskyi. Khrapchynskyi explained that the modification involves relocating the drones' engines from the rear fuselage to the tail section, a move designed to reduce aerodynamic drag and balance issues that have hindered the aircraft's high-speed performance.

While this configuration promises enhanced speed, Khrapchynskyi cautioned that it also presents trade-offs. The engine's relocation necessitates additional space for maintenance and thermal shielding, which could diminish the drone's fuel capacity. Moreover, the more complicated layout demands complex engineering solutions, potentially increasing production costs.

Khrapchynskyi attributed these design changes to the evolution of Ukrainian air defense capabilities, noting that Ukrainian interceptor drones have already successfully intercepted jet-powered targets. Russia aims to make its jet-powered Geran-5 drones harder to intercept, forcing Ukraine to rely on more expensive air defense systems.

However, the expert warned that the complex design may significantly reduce the drone's flight range and increase production costs. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on September 28 that Ukraine's air defenses intercept about 70% of UAVs during large-scale attacks, with jet-powered drones having a 57% interception rate. Zelenskyy announced on September 26 that Russia plans to spend $12 billion on jet-powered drones and loitering munitions in the following year, with Russian forces launching 2,730 jet-powered Shaheds against Ukraine in September alone, 1,500 of which were downed.

Ukraine recently developed and tested four new interceptor drones capable of neutralizing Russian jet-powered Shaheds, though these defenses are not yet ready for mass production. Russia first showcased the Geran-5 during a virtual May 9 Victory Parade in Moscow, where it was described as a new cruise missile with a resemblance to Iran's Karrar missile, featuring a similar wing configuration and air-to-air missile armament, including the integration of the R-73 missile.