{
  "id": 7349291,
  "title": "Jet-powered drones pose a new threat to Ukraine – can they be stopped?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/14/jet-powered-drones-pose-a-new-threat-to-ukraine-can-they-be-stopped",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-14T16:02:34.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Scientist",
    "slug": "new-scientist",
    "url": "https://www.newscientist.com/article/2587763-jet-powered-drones-pose-a-new-threat-to-ukraine-can-they-be-stopped/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ukraine is facing a new threat from jet-powered Shahed drones launched by Russia, which are proving difficult to intercept and destroy. These advanced drones, originally designed by an Iranian company Shahed Aviation Industries and licensed to Russia as Geran-4 models, can reach speeds of up to 500 kilometres per hour, compared to the older versions' top speed of 150-150 kilometres per hour. This increased speed makes it challenging for existing copter-type drones to catch up with the targets, necessitating the development of more sophisticated interceptor drones. Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine's president, has announced that four new devices are currently being tested to help counter these threats. Ukraine relies on a multi-layered air defense system, including fighter jets, machine guns, missiles, and interceptor drones, to neutralize the attacks. However, the latest jet-powered models are more elusive, prompting a rapid research and development effort to create autonomous interceptors capable of speeds of at least 450 kilometres per hour and equipped with artificial intelligence. Ukrainian citizens like Olexandra Shekhireva, who lives near the target areas, are acutely aware of the changes in drone tactics, as almost all recent attacks involve jet-powered Shaheds. The speed and noise of these new drones are noticeably different from the older models, making them more dangerous.",
  "summary": "Ukraine is racing to design faster, more capable interceptor drones to tackle Russia's new generation of jet-powered Shahed attack drones",
  "key_points": [
    "Russia's jet-powered Shahed drones pose new threat to Ukraine.",
    "Speed of 500 km/h makes interception challenging for existing drones.",
    "Ukraine developing autonomous interceptors with AI to counter threat."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}