New Russian drone tactics pose growing threat to Ukraine's rear regions
Photo: Russian jet-powered Shahed drone (Getty Images)
Russia increasingly attacks Ukraine with jet-powered Shaheds
"Flash" noted that he had predicted such a scenario as early as a year ago.
"As soon as we started shooting down 92–96% of the gasoline-powered Shaheds during attacks on Ukraine's deep rear areas, their use became impractical. That is why the enemy is increasingly using jet-powered Shaheds for attacks on the rear. Their numbers are growing," he added.
The expert said that the overall number of Russian Shaheds launched against Ukraine has decreased, although they remain a priority weapon for strikes on border regions and cities.
"Every day, around 200 Shaheds attack targets in these areas — gas stations, warehouses, energy facilities, and transport infrastructure. Proximity to the border makes it possible to widely use radio control via mesh modems. In such situations, suppressing satellite navigation systems is ineffective," the defense minister's adviser explained.
Production of jet-powered Shaheds in Russia is being scaled up
According to "Flash," part of Russia's drone production is currently being redirected toward the mass manufacture of jet-powered Shaheds.
Russia's new drone attack tactics against Ukraine
The occupying forces are also shifting from a strategy of mass strikes to one focused on selective attacks.
"They choose high-value targets, conduct multi-stage reconnaissance of facilities, study our defense lines (EW, radar, air defense), probe corridors that bypass interceptors, and build routes at different altitudes and speeds. They are also using Seeker-modified Shaheds with target-acquisition capabilities," he warned.
Since spring 2026, Russia has been using a new jet-powered attack drone, the Geran-4, against Ukraine. It is faster and more maneuverable than previous versions.
According to "Flash," Russian forces are already employing Geran-3 jet-powered drones. These UAVs can reach speeds of up to 300 km/h.
As Oleksandr Syrskyi stated, most neutralized Russian Shahed and Geran drones are brought down by Ukrainian interceptor drones. In May alone, they destroyed more than 3,500 enemy drones.
