Russia's Jet Drone Mass Production Surprised Ukraine Most

Ukrainian Air Force communications chief Yuri Ignat said Russia's mass production of jet-powered drones was the most unexpected development, as Kyiv had anticipated the threat but not the scale of its industrial deployment. Ignat noted information about "Banderoli" and jet-powered "Shaheds" was public, yet experts did not foresee Russia using them so extensively, given costs of $20,000-$50,000 per engine. Components originate from Europe, the US, and China, with parts found in debris manufactured just two weeks prior. Russia has launched 7,700 such drones, with monthly usage rising from 350 in June to 2,850 in August. During the September 23 attack, over 150 aerial threats were launched, including approximately 85 jet-powered drones. Ukraine downs about 90% of regular Shaheds but only 60% of jet-powered ones due to their speed and altitude. Kyiv reported fires, eight injuries, and one death.