# 15-20% of Russia's Shaheds are now jet-powered, pushing Ukraine to faster interceptors

Canonical page: https://technooptimist.io/stories/15-20-of-russia-s-shaheds-are-now-jet-powered-pushing-ukraine-to-faster-2b649ee2
Date: 21 Jul 2026
About: [Shahed Aviation Industries](https://technooptimist.io/companies/shahed-aviation-industries.md) · [Shahed-136 / Geran-2](https://technooptimist.io/aviation/shahed-136.md)
Original source: https://www.internazionale.it/ultime-notizie-reuters/2026/07/21/as-russia-deploys-jet-powered-shaheds-companies-turn-to-faster-interceptor-drones

Russia is fielding growing numbers of jet-propelled Shaheds that fly up to 500 km/h, leaving Ukraine less time to respond and reaching deeper targets including Kyiv. A senior Ukrainian air force commander said 15-20% of Russian Shaheds are jet-powered, and interceptor makers are racing to field faster drones.

## Key facts

- Jet Shaheds are used to penetrate deep into Ukraine.
- Jet interceptors may cost under $10,000 each, several times a propeller interceptor.
- SkyFall, General Cherry and Firebolt are all building faster interceptors.

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