The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reports that the increased effectiveness of jet-powered drones – referred to as “Gerans” – in breaching Ukraine’s air defenses is allowing Russia to concentrate its missile strikes. These drones are penetrating Ukrainian defenses with greater reliability, altering the dynamics of aerial attacks. ISW analysts anticipate a continuation of this pattern during Russia’s upcoming winter campaign, specifically targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. The improved drone performance is effectively diverting and overloading Ukraine’s air defense systems. This, in turn, enables Russia to focus its more valuable missile resources on critical Ukrainian targets. The assessment suggests a strategic shift in Russia's approach to aerial warfare against Ukraine. This highlights the growing challenge Ukraine faces in defending against a combination of drone and missile attacks.