Ukraine says four interceptor systems designed to shoot down Russia’s faster, jet-powered Geran drones (the Geran-4 and Geran-5, jet-powered versions of the Iranian-designed Shahed) have completed field trials, and it aims to improve them and scale production to thousands of units. Defence Minister Yevhen Khmara made the announcement in late August 2026.
One system, the Sting, made by Wild Hornets, has reportedly shot down several jet-powered drones, according to its maker and Ukrainian media. Another company, F-Drones, unveiled an upgraded interceptor, LITAVR+, designed for jet-powered drones. It reaches more than 400 km/h, up from about 350 km/h for the basic model, and is in combat trials.
Until now fighter aircraft have been the main defence against the faster drones, which is costly and strains Ukraine’s small air force. How quickly the new interceptors can be produced in quantity remains to be seen.
Sources: Euromaidan Press, Mezha, Militarnyi.
