Ukraine's new interceptor drone shoots down two Russian Geran-5 drones in debut week
A prototype interceptor drone created by Mykhailo Fedorov successfully destroyed two Russian Geran-5 drones, marking its first operational use.
Mykhailo Fedorov, who previously served as Ukraine's defence minister, posted footage showing a new interceptor drone neutralising two Russian Geran-5 drones within its first week of deployment. The system was operated by Lasar's Group, a special-forces element of the 27th Separate Brigade of the National Guard, and reached operational status just a month after conception. Analysts explain that the Geran-5 behaves more like a low-cost cruise missile, travelling up to 600 km/h and at higher altitudes than older Shahed variants, which complicates interception.
Defence contractors across Ukraine and the West are racing to field similar counter-UAV solutions. President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that one outlet 57% shoot-down rate for jet-powered drones is insufficient, underscoring the urgency of such developments.
Why it matters
Effective counter-drone tools could reduce civilian damage from Russia's faster, missile-like UAVs.
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