Ukrainian soldiers from the 1020th Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment have shot down a new Russian jet-powered strike UAV, the "Geran-4", with a STING interceptor drone. Dyki Shershni, or Wild Hornets, released the interception video, the developer of interceptor drones, Militarnyi reports.
It is the first confirmed destruction of a jet-powered UAV of this type. They differ fundamentally from conventional UAVs. Instead of propellers, they use turbojet engines, similar to those found in aircraft.
It provides significantly higher speeds and drastically reduces reaction time, making such targets much harder to intercept.
Although they are more expensive and technologically complex to produce, they are far more effective at penetrating air defenses. The emergence of such systems is already shifting the balance in aerial warfare.
"Geran-4" is faster, heavier, and more dangerous
According to analysts, the "Geran-4" is an evolution of the earlier "Geran-3" model. Such drones have been used to guide strikes against units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, including positions where HIMARS multiple launch rocket systems and other artillery are deployed.
The new drone features an improved fuselage and a more powerful engine. The wingspan is about 3 meters, the length is 3.5 meters, and the takeoff weight has increased to 450 kg.
The drone is equipped with a turbojet engine with 160 kgf thrust, enabling speeds of 350–500 km/h and a range of up to 850 km.
Its operating altitude ranges from 100 to 5,000 meters, with a flight duration of about 2.5 hours. The warhead weighs at least 50 kg.
Testing of these drones was conducted in late 2025, indicating preparations for serial production.
Earlier, Russia attempted to kill Serhii Flash Beskresnov, an advisor to the defense minister who is well-regarded by the Ukrainian military, with jet-powered drones. His home was completely destroyed in the attack, and he was "caught" by the blast. Beskresnov was hospitalized.
In his blog, he described the latest developments in Russian Shahed drones almost daily, also warning the public about the threats they pose.
