Ukraine Says It Intercepts Nearly 60% of Geran-4 Drones

Ukraine’s General Staff said its air defenses intercepted an average of nearly 60% of Russian Geran-4 drones over the past three months, with the rate reaching 80% during some attacks. The military said fighter aircraft and efforts to develop interceptor drones are helping counter the jet-powered weapons, while warning that a shortage of surface-to-air guided missiles makes stronger short-range defenses important. In an Oct. 27 statement, the General Staff said F-16, Mirage and MiG-29 aircraft had played a role in intercepting Russian jet-powered drones. The nearly 60% figure applies specifically to Geran-4 drones over three months; the reported 80% refers to some attacks, not a nationwide rate across all drones. Ukraine is also testing interceptor drones intended to offer another way to counter the attacks. The General Staff said some designs under evaluation had already destroyed several dozen Russian jet-powered Geran drones. It did not provide details on the number of tests or the method used to calculate the interception figures. The military listed Gepard and Shilka antiaircraft systems, Skynex, Skyranger and Terrahawk Paladin platforms, interceptor drones and mobile...