Russia unveils Geran-3 drone with a powerful jet engine

In recent months, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has reported an increase in the use of a new jet-powered drone variant by Russian forces in the ongoing conflict. Known as the Geran-3, this drone is powered by a Chinese Telefly JT80 turbojet engine and can reach speeds between 185 and 230 mph. This speed significantly reduces the time for Ukrainian defenders to react, posing a greater challenge in intercepting them. Despite the upgrade in speed, the Geran-3's estimated range is about 600 miles, which is shorter compared to over 900 miles for the earlier propeller-driven versions of the Shahed drones. Apart from its speed and range, the Geran-3 possesses a 110-pound warhead combining both thermobaric blast and shrapnel, making it lethal in targeted attacks. The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has indicated that these drones, while individually easier to target, have been deployed in large numbers since June, complicating the defense efforts. It is reported that in August, 83% of Shahed drones were intercepted successfully, but with the introduction of the Geran-3, that effectiveness may decline as Ukraine faces a faster-paced aerial threat. The components used in the Geran-3 are largely imported, reflecting Russia's dependency on foreign parts to sustain its manufacturing capabilities. A GUR report identifies 45 foreign components in the Geran-3, with nearly half sourced from American suppliers. Many of these components include critical systems like fuel pumps from Bosch and programmable chips from Intel, raising concerns about the continued reliance on international technology by Russia, particularly as it engages in military operations. As the battle against these jet-powered drones intensifies, Ukrainian developers are striving to enhance their counter-drone solutions to match this new threat level. The international community observes this development closely, recognizing that the advanced tactics outlined by Russian forces signal a possible shift in the aerial operational landscape. This unfolding situation emphasizes the need for effective interception technologies in a defense strategy increasingly challenged by rapid advancements in drone warfare.