Ukraine Intercepts 90% of Propeller Shaheds but Only 57% of Jet-Powered Ones

As of September 28, 2026, Ukraine's air defenses down over 90% of propeller-driven Geran-2 drones but only 57% of jet-powered Geran-3/4/5 variants, Zelenskyy said. Russia deliberately switched to turbojet engines like the Telefly TF-TJ2000A to outrun Ukraine's cheap Sting interceptors.

• Overall drone interception rate is 70%; propeller types exceed 90%, jets just 57%
• Jet-powered Geran-4 flies at 300–400 km/h, Geran-5 reaches up to 600 km/h
• The ~$2,100 Sting interceptor tops out at 280–343 km/h, too slow for jets
• Russia builds about 3,000 jet drones monthly, targeting up to 40,000 a year