Ukrainian electronic warfare systems are facing a new challenge as Russia continues to upgrade its jet-powered Geran drones, according to Ukrainian presidential adviser Serhii Beskrestnov.

Beskrestnov says that more than half of Russia’s jet-powered drones of this type are now equipped with automatic target-locking systems. Using high-zoom cameras, an operator can identify and lock onto a target from a distance of approximately five to six kilometers.

Once the target has been acquired, the drone can reportedly continue its attack autonomously. According to Beskrestnov, losing the control link or entering an area covered by Ukrainian electronic warfare systems no longer prevents the drone from continuing toward the locked target.

This creates a serious problem for Ukraine. One of the main approaches to countering Geran drones has been to extend the effective range of electronic warfare systems and disrupt communications and control channels. Automatic terminal guidance reduces the effectiveness of this approach.

Beskrestnov argues that Russia is responding to improvements in Ukrainian electronic warfare by upgrading the drones' optical systems. In particular, he says Russia is acquiring newer Chinese cameras with better image quality and more powerful zoom capabilities.

As a result, Russian drones and Ukrainian electronic warfare systems are effectively engaged in a technological race: Ukraine is attempting to expand its electronic jamming capabilities, while Russia is increasing the autonomy of Geran drones, allowing them to continue an attack after visually locking onto a target even if communication with the operator is disrupted.