Ukraine is developing a low-cost jet-powered interceptor designed to shoot down Russian Geran-4 and Geran-5 drones, according to The New York Times (NYT). However, the project could face a serious challenge if Russia introduces faster versions of its unmanned aircraft before the Ukrainian system enters mass production.

The Ukrainian company F-Drones is working on the F-Jet 80, a new interceptor intended to counter Russia’s jet-powered drones. Engineers plan to equip the aircraft with artificial intelligence technology that would help it detect, track and engage aerial targets.

One of the project’s main priorities is affordability. The developers aim to keep the price of each F-Jet 80 below $7,000, making relatively low production costs a key factor in the planned transition to serial manufacturing.

The interceptor could be powered by a compact jet engine generating between eight and ten kilogram-force of thrust.

Although the full technical specifications remain undisclosed, the F-Jet 80 has reportedly already undergone testing in combat conditions, where it demonstrated strong results.

Despite these developments, Ukrainian experts are concerned about the project’s long-term effectiveness.

They fear that Russia could develop a more advanced and faster modification of the Geran drone by the time Ukraine begins producing the F-Jet 80 on a large scale.

If that happens, the new interceptor could struggle to counter the upgraded Russian drones, potentially becoming obsolete before it sees widespread deployment.