NEW DELHI: Ukraine has intercepted a Russian jet-powered Geran-5 attack drone in the Kyiv region using Sweden’s RBS-70 air defence system for the first time, according to the Ukrainian military. The interception marks a reported success against a faster variant of Russia’s attack drones, which can travel at speeds of more than 500 kmph and have an estimated range of up to 950 km.Ukraine’s General Staff announced on November 13 that personnel from the 1027th Anti-Aircraft Missile and Artillery Regiment had destroyed the drone using the Swedish-made system. It did not disclose the exact location or time of the interception.The regiment’s RBS-70 crew had earlier described the engagement in an interview with Ukrainian outlet LB.ua, published on November 11. A commander identified by the callsign Vigo said the drone was travelling at more than 500 kmph and descended towards its target only a few minutes before impact, leaving air defence crews with limited time to respond.
Why the Geran-5 is harder to intercept
Unlike the propeller-driven Geran-2 drones commonly used in Russia’s Shahed-style attacks, the Geran-5 is powered by a turbojet engine and has a conventional aircraft configuration.Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence Directorate (HUR) has said the drone resembles Iran’s Karrar and incorporates components also found in other Russian Geran models.According to HUR’s technical assessment released in January 2026, the Geran-5 has a maximum take-off weight of around 850 kg, a cruising speed of 450-600 kmph and an estimated range of up to 950 km. These figures are based on Ukrainian intelligence assessments and have not been independently verified.The drone’s higher speed reduces the time available for air defence crews to detect, identify and engage it. This makes the interception of jet-powered attack drones more challenging than countering slower, propeller-driven UAVs.
How Sweden’s RBS-70 missile system works
Developed by Swedish defence company Saab, the RBS-70 uses laser beam-riding guidance, unlike several shoulder-fired air defence missiles that rely on infrared seekers to track an aircraft’s heat signature.The operator keeps the target within the system’s sight, while the missile follows a laser guidance corridor directed towards it. Since the missile does not depend on an infrared seeker, conventional heat-decoy flares are ineffective against its guidance system.The system is also less vulnerable to certain forms of electronic jamming that can interfere with radar-guided weapons. However, its guidance mechanism requires the operator to maintain a clear line of sight and continuously track the target during an engagement.The RBS-70 family has an engagement range of several kilometres, depending on the missile variant. Saab’s newer RBS-70 NG configuration has an advertised range of more than 9 km and can engage targets at altitudes of up to 5 km.
Sweden continues military support for Ukraine
Sweden has supplied Ukraine with RBS-70 systems as part of its military assistance. In February 2025, the Swedish government announced an air defence package worth 1.2 billion Swedish kronor, or around $113 million at the time. The package included procurement of the latest RBS-70 version and Tridon Mk2 anti-aircraft systems for Ukraine.The latest interception is not the first reported Ukrainian success against the jet-powered Geran-5. In September 2026, Ukraine’s 1020th Anti-Aircraft Missile and Artillery Regiment released footage showing a Ukrainian-made STING interceptor drone destroying one of the Russian drones.Ukraine has also been exploring relatively affordable options to counter faster aerial threats, including interceptor drones and automated machine-gun systems.The latest engagement demonstrates how conventional short-range missile systems can also contribute to Ukraine’s air defence network as Russia expands its use of jet-powered attack drones.