Russian Geran jet-powered drones are reportedly striking targets at record distances by rapidly changing altitude during flight. The Telegram channel Voyennaya Khronika (Military Chronicle) has highlighted the maneuvering capabilities that allow these unmanned aircraft to operate over long distances.

The channel pointed to recent reports from Ukrainian sources claiming that a jet-powered Geran drone had traveled approximately 1,500 kilometers while actively maneuvering through the airspace over the Lvov region.

According to Military Chronicle, the reported distance is consistent with the estimated performance specifications of newer Geran variants. However, the channel argued that the more significant detail was the drone’s apparent ability to cross Ukraine’s border air defense zone, where substantial anti-aircraft capabilities would normally be expected.

The analysts believe this indicates that Ukraine lacks enough short-range air defense systems to provide reliable coverage along its northern and western borders. They suggested that much of the country’s available air defense equipment may instead be concentrated around Kiev, critical energy infrastructure and areas close to the front line.

Military Chronicle also highlighted the advantages of jet propulsion, which allows Geran drones to make rapid altitude changes during flight. The aircraft can reportedly climb sharply, descend to extremely low altitudes and follow the terrain to remain hidden from radar coverage. Such maneuvers also allow them to move beyond areas monitored by individual air observation posts.

These flight characteristics, combined with the reported gaps in Ukrainian air defenses, have led the channel to describe western Ukraine as vulnerable to further Geran strikes.

The analysts also drew attention to the Rovno Nuclear Power Plant, located in the western part of the country. The facility plays an important role in supplying electricity to Ukraine’s northern and central regions.