Fedorov Says New Interceptor Downed Two Geran-5 Jet Drones Over Kyiv, With AI Autonomy Next
Ukraine downs 57% of Russia's jet-powered drones, by President Zelensky's count. His former defense minister says a month-old interceptor has hit two and that AI will fly it next.
Ukraine downs 57% of Russia's jet-powered drones, by President Zelensky's count. His former defense minister says a month-old interceptor has hit two and that AI will fly it next.
A new Ukrainian interceptor drone shot down two Russian Geran-5 jet-powered drones heading for Kyiv during combat trials, former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov wrote on X on Oct. 12. He posted video of what he called the first confirmed intercepts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Fedorov announce?
On Oct. 12, former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said a new interceptor drone built by his team had shot down two Russian Geran-5 jet-powered drones heading for Kyiv during combat trials. He posted video of the intercepts. The claim is his own.
Who built and tested the interceptor?
Fedorov said his team built it with Pavlo Yelizarov, military personnel and engineers, and that crews from Lasar's Group carried out the combat testing. The Kyiv Independent describes Lasar's Group as a National Guard special forces unit.
Is the interceptor autonomous?
Not yet. A human pilot flies it. Fedorov intends to make it autonomous in flight using artificial intelligence, according to comments he shared with Business Insider.
How fast is it and what is it called?
Fedorov did not name it, and its speed is unclear. He wrote only that its speed lets it catch jet-powered Shaheds before they reach the city.
Why do jet-powered drones matter?
The Geran-5 reaches up to 375 mph, per Business Insider. President Volodymyr Zelensky put Ukraine's shoot-down rate for jet-powered drones at 57% on Sept. 28.
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Marcus Schuler
Marcus Schuler edits BattlePolicy, a daily defense-technology brief connecting the companies and capabilities behind modern war to the contest among Europe, the US, Russia, and China.