Ukraine cannot create a drone interceptor for Shahed drones — presidential adviser

Ukrainian manufacturers have still not developed effective jet-powered interceptor drones to counter Russian Shahed-type drones and the small jet-powered cruise missile known as “Banderol.”

This was stated by Serhiy Beskrestnov, adviser to the Ukrainian president on technological issues, in an interview with Radio NV.

According to him, manufacturers promised back in winter that such interceptors would appear within a few weeks, but the task proved more difficult than expected.

“Many months have passed, and we still don’t have one,” Beskrestnov said.

The adviser explained the key technical problem: Russian jet drones are increasing their speed. While the Geran-3 reached around 300–330 km/h, the Geran-4 flies at 450–550 km/h. To intercept such targets, a Ukrainian drone would need to reach a speed of around 600 km/h.

Until specialized interceptors become available, jet-powered Shaheds are being shot down with missiles. According to Beskrestnov’s assessment, around 80% of such drones are currently being destroyed.