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A Ukrainian company, Wild Hornets, has developed a next-generation interceptor specifically designed to counter Russia’s “Geran-4” and “Geran-5” jet drones.
Key Takeaways:
- The Ukrainian firm Wild Hornets has engineered a new-generation interceptor to combat Russia’s Geran-4 and Geran-5 jet drones.
- Skilled pilots are already successfully downing jet drones, but there’s a growing demand for advanced technology to combat these faster adversaries.
Wild Hornets Unveils New Interceptor Drone
For a considerable period, Russia has been employing “Geran-2” drones against Ukraine—these are slow, propeller-driven aircraft. However, recent intelligence suggests that their jet-powered counterparts, designated “Geran-3,” “-4,” and “-5,” are becoming increasingly prevalent on the battlefield. These variants are equipped with miniature turbojet engines, enabling significantly higher speeds.
According to Andrii Hrytsenko, CEO of the Brave1 defense platform, local enterprises are actively developing a new class of interceptors to address this specific threat. One such entity, the manufacturer of the “Sting” drone, is currently testing its successor, named “Sting 2.”
The current “Sting” interceptor can reach speeds of up to 280 km/h, which is adequate against conventional “Geran” drones but insufficient for their jet-powered versions. The “Geran-4,” as noted by Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR), is capable of speeds up to 500 km/h and was deployed specifically as a “countermeasure against the effectiveness” of Ukrainian interceptors.
Experienced pilots are already demonstrating the capability to neutralize these faster drones; in early June, one operator successfully destroyed two “Geran-4” units consecutively. However, the task has become considerably more challenging than before.
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This is precisely why the “Sting 2” was conceived. A representative from Wild Hornets stated that the new interceptor has been engineered with the “Geran-4” and “Geran-5” in mind. It has undergone combat trials and is slated for mass production in the near future.