Ukraine has once again found itself in the role of playing catch-up in countering Russian long-range strike means. Despite the fact that the first samples of jet-powered "Shaheds," "Geran-3," flew into Ukraine's rear as early as summer 2025, the question of what to use to shoot down the new "Geran-4," as well as the cruise missiles "Geran-5," "Banderol," "Filin" and others — remains pressing.

AIN spoke with Andrii Shuvalov, CEO of Serhiy Prytula's foundation, about the search for means of effective counteraction.

Ukraine is now again looking for solutions against new long-range threats — "Geran-4," "Geran-5" and others — what is needed for parity?

Yes, unfortunately, in this case we are constantly in the role of catch-up, and this began with the first "Shaheds" and their modifications. We still don't look one step ahead, and we don't scale our production or technologies, understanding what will most likely happen.

As for the jet-powered "Shaheds," the first information about them appeared in summer 2025, and we already understood that we should expect a larger number. But, unfortunately, certain measures were not taken, and therefore today we have not the best picture: once again we are working at a catch-up pace and putting out fires.

If our "Geran-5" currently operates at a speed of about 450 km/h and there up to 550-600 km/h maximum, then our jet-powered anti-aircraft interceptor drones operate either at the same speed or even lag by some 50 km/h. And in order to effectively shoot down, we need on the contrary to have at minimum plus 50 km/h, so that there is a possibility to catch up and destroy the target.

For example, the foundation not long ago delivered 626 Zirka interceptors. This is a multirotor interceptor that reaches over 400 km/h at maximum speed, and we immediately had a "Geran-5" shot down by the RETRO crew of the Darknode battalion of the 412th Separate Brigade of Unmanned Systems Nemesis. At the same time, this concerns precisely this modification.

As the speed of air targets increases beyond 500 km/h, new technological challenges arise for the platform. The developers understand this and are already working on its further modernization to expand the possibilities of use against new types of threats. We, for our part, support this process, because it is important not only to create effective countermeasures today, but also to constantly improve the means in accordance with changes on the battlefield.

In parallel, the foundation is looking for all possible effective solutions. We see a trend toward the development of jet-powered interceptors, and enemy targets are changing, so our means will change along with them. That was the case with the classic "Shaheds," and so it will be here.

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Increasing speeds also creates requirements for the guidance system. Pilots at such speeds will find it very difficult to react. We need to solve this technologically, rather than depend on individual human skill. This comes down to software, to a camera that will be able to operate at such speed and be able to lock on, clearly understand when the hit will occur.

And what then remains the most effective alternative to anti-aircraft drones?

Anti-aircraft missiles. That is the only alternative. A short-range anti-aircraft missile with a homing system is critically necessary, one that will work at least at a range of 7-10 km, so that we can systematically start shooting down. But this is not at all as simple as one would like.

An anti-aircraft missile is a very high-tech means. Especially the homing head. And most importantly, the price indicator of this missile must be around 20 thousand dollars.

Some year and a half ago we saw how a large number of manufacturers were working in this direction. But as of now, we at the foundation state that there is no ready solution for mass procurement. Moreover, not only in Ukraine, but also among foreign companies.

What then are the alternatives to anti-aircraft missiles against jet-powered "Shaheds"?

Electronic warfare means, robotic platforms. The point is that there is no single means that will work against jet-powered "Shaheds." There is a multi-layered air defense, each link of which performs its own function.

Aviation also works against these targets. If aviation has not shot down — anti-aircraft drones engage. If they have not engaged — turrets work at the last line. They, by the way, show themselves quite well. If they are correctly positioned and configured, robotic turrets also effectively shoot down jet-powered drones.

But, in addition to the actual shooting down, we must not forget about the detection system, which currently also does not work at 100%. Because there are still not enough radars to create a dense radar field. That is, in general this must be a comprehensive systemic approach.

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