Russia's jet‑powered Shahed drones spark faster interceptor development

Russia has increased its use of jet‑propelled versions of the Iranian‑designed Shahed attack drone, with about 15‑20% now equipped with jet engines and capable of speeds up to 500 kph. The higher speed shortens the time Ukrainian defenses have to detect and engage the drones, challenging existing counter‑measures.

In response, defence firms are accelerating development of faster interceptors. Ukrainian manufacturer SkyFall unveiled a new high‑speed interceptor, the P1‑SUN Jetkiller, at the Farnborough Airshow in the United Kingdom. The Jetkiller can reach 370 kph, has reportedly downed more than a dozen jet‑powered Shaheds in battlefield tests, and is slated for mass production in August with a capacity of 50,000 units per month. European missile maker MBDA and U.S. firm Lockheed Martin also announced new interceptor projects aimed at countering large numbers of low‑cost munitions such as drones.