Russian unmanned aerial vehicles are undergoing continuous upgrades, including the installation of jet engines and video systems capable of transmitting signals over hundreds of kilometers, according to military analyst and air defense historian Yuri Knutov.

He says these technical improvements have significantly enhanced the ability of Russian UAVs to penetrate Ukraine’s layered air defense network. As a result, Ukrainian forces are often compelled to use expensive Western-made surface-to-air missiles to intercept them.

Knutov noted that early versions of the Geran drones were relatively simple in design, but newer models have evolved. Some are now equipped with jet propulsion, while others carry onboard cameras and are effectively guided by operators in real time. With a range extending several hundred kilometers, these drones can approach targets at extremely low altitudes to slip through air defenses. In areas covered by anti-aircraft gun systems, he explained, they may instead climb to altitudes of around five kilometers to bypass those positions.

According to the analyst, Russian UAVs employ a variety of tactics and technical tools to counter air defense systems. Operators use specific maneuvering techniques to break through defensive lines and even disable them.

Knutov added that modern Russian drones serve multiple roles, from reconnaissance to strike coordination. They are capable of identifying the positions of surface-to-air missile systems and relaying coordinates for subsequent precision strikes.

He also pointed to the active deployment of Gerbera decoy drones, designed to divert enemy air defenses and force them to expend limited ammunition. While these decoys draw fire, primary strike assets can pass through areas that have effectively been cleared of air defense coverage, he said.