Ukraine Tests 4 Interceptors as Russia Fires 2,500 Jet Drones in August
Updated
Updated · CNN · Aug 31
Ukraine Tests 4 Interceptors as Russia Fires 2,500 Jet Drones in August
3 articles · Updated · CNN · Aug 31
Summary
Four Ukrainian interceptor-drone designs have entered field trials as Kyiv scrambles to counter Russian jet-powered Shaheds that Zelensky says now dominate recent barrages.
2,500-plus jet drones were used in August after about 1,500 in July, advisers say, while Zelensky reported nearly 1,500 drones of all types launched over the previous four days.
224 drones hit in daylight on Saturday and eight Kyiv air-raid alerts followed Sunday, underscoring how the faster Geran-4 and Geran-5 are stretching Ukraine's small air force and costly fighter-based defenses.
Sting reportedly downed two jet drones and F-Drones says its upgraded LITAVR+ exceeds 400 km/h, but officials warn scaling production to thousands will take time as offensive systems keep evolving.
Dozens of Russia's new Banderol cruise missiles have also struck Odesa in recent weeks, slowing Black Sea grain exports to 1.4 million tons since early August—about one-third of potential volume.