Russia deploys new jet-powered drones, Ukraine awaits new military aid. Serhiy Zgurets' column

Military assistance from Germany

On June 12, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius visited Kyiv to discuss military support for Ukraine in the war with Russia. It was reported that Pistorius plans to raise the issue of supplying various types of weapons. Germany is known to be a leader among European countries in providing military assistance to Ukraine. Pistorius said that this year the volume of military aid from Germany could reach 7 billion euros, and if a decision is made on additional funding of 1.9 billion euros, it could reach 9 billion euros. This is a very significant indicator of military and financial support for Ukraine.

When asked about the possible transfer of TAURUS missiles to Ukraine, the minister clearly answered no. At the same time, he noted that Berlin would participate in financing the production of long-range weapons for Ukraine. What exactly is meant by “long-range weapons”? Out of the 7 billion euros allocated, about 400 million are intended to finance projects such as the long-range attack drone “Lutyi”, which is actively used against Russia. There is also support for private companies developing drone missiles and interceptor drones. All of this is part of the assistance announced today by Boris Pistorius.

Special attention is paid to strengthening Ukraine's air defense. There is a contract between the Armed Forces of Ukraine and Diehl Defense for the production of IRIS-T systems and related missiles. Ukraine is already receiving short- and medium-range systems. The total contract amount is 2.2 billion euros. This is extremely important given the current and growing number of air threats.

Russia is using new jet Shaheds

Specifically, regarding the Shaheds or Geran-2 drones, Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence reports that Russian production has increased to 2,700 units per month. A similar number of other models are also being produced to serve as decoys for diverting Ukrainian air defense.

During one of the latest combined strikes on Kyiv, the Russians used a new jet drone. This confirms the information that some residents of the capital heard an unusual whistling sound during the attack, which is not typical of the Shahed. The drone was shot down, and Defense Express published a photo of its burned wreckage. Among them is a small jet engine, which explains the sound that accompanied the attack.

The wreckage also revealed controls and components indicating the possible use of a new unmanned system called the Geranium-3, an analog of the Iranian Shahed-238 kamikaze drone with a Chinese jet engine.

Back in February 2025, Ukrainian intelligence warned of plans to manufacture such samples in Russia.

The Geranium-3, or ”missile Shahed", has a shorter range than classic shaheds, but a high speed of up to 500-600 km/h, which makes it much more difficult to intercept. In this regard, there is an urgent need to further strengthen air defense not only with the help of mobile groups, but also by expanding the use of relevant air defense systems.

Ukraine's defense potential development

Ukraine is currently actively using foreign systems, but it is also developing its own defense capabilities. This includes the development of unmanned aerial systems, air defense systems, as well as armored vehicles and automotive equipment that are critically needed to ensure mobility on the battlefield.

The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine reported that two new models of Ukrainian-made tactical armored vehicles have been codified and approved for use by the Defense Forces:

• Varta-2 from Ukrainian Armor,
• GYURZA-02 from UkrARMOTECH.

In addition, UkrARMOTECH has started deliveries of another new model - an armored vehicle called TISA.

Hennadiy Khirhiy, director of UkrARMOTECH, an armored vehicle manufacturer, said that TISA is a very high-quality vehicle and a worthy product. It is designed to transport rapid mobile groups, personnel and command staff, for rapid response, as well as for various reconnaissance operations.

This machine was designed for these tasks. We offered it, and it is in high demand. We have already shipped the first batch of these vehicles to our army.

Hennadiy Khirhiy noted that GYURZA-02 is the company's flagship development, the best of all that has been created. This vehicle takes into account all the experience gained during the development and operation of GYURZA-01 in various defense units.

The company is constantly in touch with the users of the equipment, receiving daily feedback and tasks for designers and engineers to modernize and improve product quality.

The GYURZA-01 was being improved for two years, but then the idea arose to create a new, more powerful machine adapted to all the challenges of the front line. This is how the development of the GYURZA-02 began. It took only seven months from the moment the idea was conceived to codification and all the tests.

This is an extremely good result, and Khirhiy expressed his sincere gratitude to his team and everyone who has worked and continues to work on the project. GYURZA-02 is a fully Ukrainian development, including the chassis. Currently, some components are still being purchased, but the goal for the current year is to localize production in Ukraine as much as possible. The company aims to achieve 70% of its own production of components for GYURZA-02.

The director of UkrARMOTECH, an armored vehicle manufacturer, also noted that many Ukrainian industries are currently developing, with many new enterprises launched and coverage of 40-50% already achieved. Therefore, the opening of exports, but specifically controlled exports, is an important step, especially if the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine are fully met.

First, this step will support and stimulate further development of the industry. This means raising additional capital by entering international markets, introducing new technologies, exchanging information, and establishing new contacts. According to the director, this will be the right decision for the development and strengthening of the country's security structure.