Russian jet-powered Shahed sets 960-km flight record, OSINT analysts report

The jet-powered UAV was launched from the Hvardiiske military airfield in Russian-occupied Crimea, the PPO Radar Telegram channel reported.

“Although the stated range of the jet-powered Geran-4 is about 550 km, flying at an altitude of 5,000–7,000 meters can double the range,” the Oko Gora analysts said.

The analysts also concluded that 96% of Ukraine’s territory is within range of Russian Geran-4 jet-powered UAVs.

On Aug. 18, a jet-powered Shahed launched by Russian forces at Ukraine from occupied Crimea reached western Ukraine for the first time.

The flight was reported by the Air Force, Rivne Oblast Gov. Oleksandr Koval and eRadar, a Telegram channel that tracks drone movements.

Including maneuvering, the Shahed flew about 850–920 km, experts estimated.

On Aug. 26, Ukrainian presidential technology adviser Serhii Beskrestnov, whose call sign is Flash, told Radio NV that all jet-powered Shaheds are controlled online and that after an operator locks onto a target, half of them can strike it automatically.

In May 2026, the Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) of Ukraine’s Defense Ministry reported that Russian forces were using a new Geran-4 jet-powered attack drone against Ukraine that is faster and more dangerous than previous versions.

The new design allows the drone to maneuver at speeds of 300–400 kph, accelerate to 500 kph, climb to an altitude of up to 5 kilometers and fly up to 450 kilometers, HUR said.