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Russia is increasingly using jet drones, new models are changing the way of warfare
World🏛️ PoliticsCenter9/3/2026

Russia is increasingly using jet drones, new models are changing the way of warfare

Russia has increasingly deployed new jet-powered drones, such as the Geran-4 and Geran-5, which are significantly faster than previous models like the Geran-2. These advanced drones pose a greater threat to Ukraine’s cheaper drone interceptors, which were previously effective against slower models. The increased use of these drones coincides with intensified Russian attacks on Odessa and Black Sea ports, reducing Ukraine’s grain exports. According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Russia launched nearly 1,500 drones in four days, many of them jet-powered. British media reported that Russia launched at least 2,500 jet drones in August alone. The development of these drones is partly driven by advances in Ukraine’s air defense systems, which have made older Russian drones more vulnerable.

Russia is increasingly deploying jet-powered drones, with new models altering the nature of warfare in Ukraine. Among these are the Geran-4 and Geran-5, which are significantly faster than previous models such as the Geran-2. These advanced drones are becoming a major component of long-range Russian attacks, according to Ukrainian assessments. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russia launched nearly 1,500 drones over four days, with around 800 being jet-powered. According to the British Guardian, Russia launched at least 2,500 jet-powered drones in August alone, compared to approximately 1,500 in July. Evidence from recovered drone parts suggests some of these units are deployed into combat within just a few days of production at facilities in Russia’s Yelabuga region. The introduction of these drones is largely driven by developments in Ukraine's air defense systems. Ukraine has developed relatively inexpensive intercepting drones capable of destroying slower Geran-2 models, which are based on Iran’s Shahed-136. The Geran-2, powered by a piston engine, flies at roughly 180 kilometers per hour, making it vulnerable to such interceptors. The new generation of drones aims to counter this advantage. One of the most significant new models is the Geran-4. Ukraine’s military intelligence service, GUR, reported that Russia completed preparations for mass production of the Geran-4 early this year, with combat deployment beginning in May. Unlike the transitional Geran-3, which incorporated a jet engine into the structure derived from the slower Geran-2, the Geran-4 features a new, reinforced body designed for much higher speeds and loads. According to GUR analysis, the Geran-4 measures about 3.5 meters in length, has a wingspan of three meters, and can maneuver at speeds between 300 and 400 kilometers per hour, potentially reaching up to 500 kilometers per hour. It can ascend to altitudes of up to 5,000 meters and has an estimated range of approximately 450 kilometers, though other Ukrainian estimates suggest higher values. The Geran-4 is powered by Chinese-made turbojet engines, including the LX-WP-160 with a thrust of around 1,600 Newtons and the stronger TF-TJ2000A with a thrust of approximately 1,960 Newtons. The drone can carry several types of warheads, including a 50-kilogram explosive or thermobaric warhead, and a larger thermobaric warhead weighing around 90 kilograms. Another notable model is the Geran-5, which Russia first used in combat earlier this year. Unlike the distinctive delta-wing design of the Shahed and Geran-2 models, the Geran-5 appears more conventional, resembling a small unmanned aircraft or projectile with traditional wings. According to GUR, the Geran-5 is about six meters long, has a wingspan of up to 5.5 meters, and carries a warhead weighing approximately 90 kilograms. Its estimated range is around 1,000 kilometers.

How this report was made. Objective News wrote this report from 2 source articles, using AI-assisted synthesis under our methodology. It is our own text, not a copy of any single outlet. Read our methodology.

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HRT (Hrvatska radiotelevizija) logoHRT (Hrvatska radiotelevizija)State / PublicCenterFactual 75Objective 659/2/2026
Russia is increasingly using jet drones, new models are changing the way of warfare

Russia has increasingly deployed new jet-powered drones, such as the Geran-4 and Geran-5, which are significantly faster than previous models like the Geran-2. These advanced drones pose a greater threat to Ukraine’s cheaper drone interceptors, which were previously effective against slower models. The increased use of these drones coincides with intensified Russian attacks on Odessa and Black Sea ports, reducing Ukraine’s grain exports. According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Russia launched nearly 1,500 drones in four days, many of them jet-powered. British media reported that Russia launched at least 2,500 jet drones in August alone. The development of these drones is partly driven by advances in Ukraine’s air defense systems, which have made older Russian drones more vulnerable.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about military developments involving Russia and Ukraine, citing Ukrainian intelligence reports and external sources like the Guardian. It does not exhibit overtly biased language, one-sided sourcing, or editorializing. The content remains focused on military

Why factuality (75): The article reports on Russia's increased use of new turbojet drones like Geran-4 and Geran-5, citing Ukrainian President Zelensky's claim of 1500 drone launches in four days. It references British Guardian data on over 2500 turbojet drones launched in August alone. These figures align with cross-so

Why objectivity (65): The article presents information from both sides of the conflict, including Ukrainian officials and Western media, but leans toward describing the impact of Russian drone usage on Ukraine. It uses phrases like 'znatno brži' (much faster) and 'velik dio ruskih dalekometnih napada' (a large part of Ru

The New York Times (World) logoThe New York Times (World)Independent🔒CenterFactual: no official source document/info detectedObjective 709/3/2026
The New Jet-Powered Drones That Are Breeding Anxiety in Ukraine

The article discusses new Russian drone technology being deployed in Ukraine, which is causing increased concern due to their enhanced capabilities. These drones are described as more destructive, faster, and harder to intercept compared to previous propeller-driven models used by Russia during the conflict. This advancement in drone technology could potentially alter the dynamics of aerial warfare in the region. The implications of this development include heightened security challenges for Ukrainian forces and civilians, as well as potential shifts in military strategy.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about the technological advancements in Russian drones without overtly favoring any side. It does not employ biased language or selectively present information to support a particular viewpoint. The focus is on the technical aspects and implications of the dr

Why factuality: no official source document/info detected

Why objectivity (70): The article uses emotionally charged language such as 'breeding anxiety' which suggests a subjective interpretation of the impact of these drones. While it presents facts about the capabilities of the drones, the tone leans toward highlighting the psychological impact rather than remaining strictly

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