Jet-powered Gerans pierce Ukraine's air defences, with only about 60 percent shot down

Ukraine's air defences shoot down about 60 percent of Russia's jet-powered Geran drones, compared with 85 to 95 percent of older propeller-driven models, according to the October edition of Drone Warfare Intelligence Monthly (DWIM).

According to Ukrainian Air Force spokesman Yurii Ihnat, Russia launches about 200 jet drones a day. In September, the same source says, about 3,500 jet drones were launched, against roughly 350 in June. A launch complex near Millerovo in Rostov Oblast was built in about six weeks and, according to analysts, can launch up to a hundred drones a day.

A shortage of missiles

Ukraine says it needs about 350 Patriot interceptors a month but received 24 in 90 days. US deliveries are constrained by the war with Iran, and Poland has said it cannot spare its own. Russia's combined strike on October 27 involved a record 16 missiles and about 280 drones, and a jet drone killed 14 people on a railway platform in Dnipro on October 29.

Figures are taken from the DWIM monthly review, which compiles government, military and media reports; some claims have not been independently verified.