Russia deploys jet-powered drones and heavy hexacopters in Ukraine

Russia has introduced new drone technologies that are complicating Ukrainian air defense efforts. The Kremlin has deployed the Mangas, a heavy reusable hexacopter designed for both tactical bombing and logistics, such as transporting ammunition and food to the front lines. The Mangas features thermal imaging for night operations and is reportedly being used by the 11th Army Corps of the Sever grouping.

Additionally, Russia is deploying faster jet-powered strike drones, including the Geran-4 and Geran-5 models. These drones can reach speeds of 500 km/h or higher and operate at altitudes between four and seven kilometers. This flight profile has significantly reduced Ukrainian interception rates from over 90 percent for propeller-driven models to approximately 60 percent, as many mobile defense teams cannot react quickly enough to these high-speed targets.

Ukrainian intelligence estimates that production of these jet-powered models has reached roughly 3,000 units per month. The Geran-4 is also being equipped with shaped-charge warheads specifically designed to penetrate reinforced structures like bridges, energy facilities, and pipelines.