Russian Jet-Powered Drones Threaten Kyiv's Air Defenses

Russia has escalated attacks on Kyiv using jet-powered drones, which are faster and harder to intercept than propeller-driven models, according to The New York Times. This new weapon is straining Ukraine's air defense capabilities and raising concerns about a more dangerous phase of the war. The drones, described as cheap cruise missiles by Vienna-based military analyst Franz-Stefan Gadi, can carry heavier payloads, fly farther and faster, and are less vulnerable to Ukraine's mobile defense groups. Kyiv detected 3,000 such drones in August, up from 1,500 in July, with Russia now launching them in waves throughout the day instead of at night. Ukrainian officials acknowledge lower interception rates for jet drones, which also give civilians less time to reach shelters. Four Ukrainian companies are developing interceptors, though they remain in testing. Production constraints on jet engines may limit Russian output, but analysts expect the threat to grow this winter.