Russian forces have begun employing Geran loitering munitions to track and strike Ukrainian military aircraft and helicopters, according to comments made to BI by Ukraine’s deputy defense minister Yuriy Mironenko.

He explained that Russian UAV operators have recently started using Geran drones closer to the front line, maintaining a stable link with them through ground antennas. Mironenko noted that this real-time control turns the drones into an even more difficult target, as operators can adjust their flight path on the go and attempt to engage Ukrainian aircraft directly in the sky.

The article’s authors emphasize that Ukraine has long relied on its aviation to intercept Gerans, but Russia’s updated approach is designed to push through Kiev’s air-defense network and complicate efforts to neutralize the drones.