Overview
- Ukraine says its new jet-powered interceptor drone has engaged and destroyed Geran-5 targets, a development Kyiv and multiple outlets reported in late September 2026.
- Analysts warn Russian forces may now field an upgraded Geran-5 with optical terrain-matching navigation that could let those drones reach targets without GPS and make jamming less effective.
- Poland has loosened engagement rules so fighters can fire without visual contact and is funding a roughly €3.5 billion SAN air- and drone-defence buildout meant to field layered sensors, interceptors and batteries by end-2027.
- Latvia is finishing an automated, Ukraine-inspired 'drone wall' along its eastern border that uses autonomous detection and low-cost interceptors so manned jets act as a last-resort backstop.
- NATO discussion now focuses on cheaper countermeasures—specialist light combat or trainer jets, automated intercept drones and integrated sensors—to solve the cost-exchange problem of shooting low-cost attack drones with high-value fighters and missiles.