Russia's new jet-powered drones outpacing Ukraine's air defences with daily launches

Russia fired its new rapid, jet-powered drones against Ukraine every day throughout August, BBC Verify analysis of Ukrainian Air Force data has found, escalating its use of a weapon that Kyiv's air defences are struggling to deal with. It marked the first time that daily attacks by Moscow's new upgraded Geran drones were recorded in Ukrainian Air Force data. Ukraine's military recently told the BBC that jet-powered drone attacks grew from 350 in June to 1,600 in July and 2,800 in August. The drones are powered by turbojet engines, some of which, according to Ukrainian military intelligence, are sourced from China. Earlier this year Ukraine showed relative success in countering Russian drones and was intercepting 94% of long-range drones, according to Zelensky.

Source: BBC India/World September 10, 2026 04:43 UTC