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Ukrainian developers have unveiled a new “bomber drone” called the JET MAX, designed to target Russian soldiers and armored vehicles like tanks. This comes as Moscow works to catch up on Ukraine’s lead in drones capable of carrying significant payloads.
Why It Matters
Drones have played a crucial role in more than three years of full-scale war in Ukraine. Ukrainian and Russian forces continuously upgrade and tweak drone designs, using them for various missions such as reconnaissance, strikes, and even intercepting each other’s unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Stanislav Krasilnikov / Sputnik via AP
What To Know
The JET MAX can carry a payload of up to 20 kilograms (44 pounds) and stay in the air for 40 minutes. It is designed to destroy enemy equipment, communications, and personnel within a range of up to 15 kilometers (just under 10 miles), according to reports from Mezha Media, an outlet linked to Ukrainska Pravda.
Herman Smetanin, who headed Ukraine’s Strategic Industries Ministry before its absorption into Kyiv’s Defense Ministry in summer 2024, reported that Ukraine had produced over 30,000 bomber drones in 2024. The new drone can travel at speeds of up to 60 kph (37 mph) when fully loaded with explosives or up to 80 kph (50 mph) when not carrying cargo.
The JET MAX was unveiled at a defense forum in the western Ukrainian city of Lviv. Russian commentators referred to these drones as “Baba Yaga,” inspired by a mythical old woman from Slavic folklore, often portrayed as a witch. “The enemy calls them ‘Baba Yaga’ because these drones have become a nightmare for them,” Smetanin said in January.
While Russia has developed tactics to shoot down Ukraine’s heavy bomber drones, these can be repaired and used against Ukrainian troops.
What People Are Saying
Samuel Bendett told Newsweek that it is “very important” for both Russia and Ukraine to have heavy bomber drone fleets.
Stanislav Krasilnikov / Sputnik via AP
This type of drone can cause significant damage when used effectively.
