Shoot-down rate of Russian jet-powered drones steadily increasing, General Staff says
According to an analysis of the last three months, Ukraine's average shoot-down rate for Russian Geran-4 UAVs is almost 60%, and the interception rate for jet-powered drones is steadily increasing.
Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
Details: The military noted that during individual attacks, the shoot-down rate for jet-powered UAVs can reach 80%.
Quote: "Tactical aviation – F-16, Mirage and MiG-29 aircraft – currently plays a significant role in destroying jet-powered UAVs. At the same time, strengthening our short-range air defence (SHORAD) amid a shortage of surface-to-air guided missiles is a key issue that is currently receiving considerable attention."
Details: The General Staff explained that SHORAD includes anti-aircraft gun systems such as Gepard and Shilka, the latest Skynex, Skyranger and Terrahawk Paladin systems, interceptor drones, and mobile fire groups from all components of the Ukrainian defence forces.
Quote: "Mobile fire groups are equipped not only with machine guns and associated equipment, but also with man-portable air defence systems (MANPADS). Using MANPADS, our warriors are now shooting down the enemy's jet-powered drones quite successfully."
Details: Meanwhile, work is constantly under way to reduce the cost of countering such air threats. In particular, testing of new interceptors is ongoing. According to the General Staff, some models have already shot down "several dozen Russian jet-powered Gerans".
Background:
- Earlier, Ukrainska Pravda reported that the Russians had begun using a modification of the Geran-5 jet-powered UAV called Geran-5 K5-K.
- Two Ukrainian teams are also preparing domestically developed surface-to-air missiles for combat use against Russian jet-powered drones. In addition, Ukraine is already employing seven interceptors that have successfully shot down Russian jet-powered drones.
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