The New Jet-Powered Drones That Are Breeding Anxiety in Ukraine

Russia’s recent strike waves against Ukraine have included growing numbers of jet-powered one-way attack drones that fly faster and carry greater destructive potential than earlier propeller-driven models. Ukrainian officials said these aircraft represented more than half of roughly 1,500 drones launched over four days, stretching air defenses and forcing greater reliance on combat aircraft because many low-cost interceptors cannot match their speed. The shift is driving urgent development of faster counter-drone systems as Russia expands production and uses prolonged daytime attacks to exhaust defenses and disrupt civilian activity.