October 5, 2026
Zelensky confirms operator-guided interceptor role as three warhead options (22, 60 and 105 kg) allow lighter config for better maneuverability against Geran targets
Until this moment about Bars missile-drones it was known these assets were used specifically for strikes on Moscow, and that their production massiveness now reaches 2,000 units per month.
Now, as President Volodymyr Zelensky stated, Bars is used as interceptor drone against russian jet Shaheds. This in turn raises question about how exactly such improvisation could have been organized.
At this point it should be separately outlined — everything expressed further is only preliminary assumptions. As soon as Defense Express receives additional information on this topic, it will be thoroughly described.
For now Defense Express draws attention to following points. Previously it was declared Bars may have three warhead options — 22 kilograms, 60 kilograms and 105 kilograms. Logic is following: smaller warhead gives greater range reserve and better maneuverability, while larger warhead provides greater destructive power at shorter application range.
For anti-aircraft asset against jet Shaheds, variant with smaller warhead (60 or 22 kilograms) looks more practical, to have better maneuverability and greater reserve.
How many Bars may be needed to shoot down one Geran and cost-effectiveness ratio — when comparing indicators one should consider not only objective figures but also degree of real and psychological damage from russian jet UAV strikes.
Until this moment manufacturer’s representatives declared this asset can be guided to target in operator control mode. Such option is fully used on airplane-type interceptor drones as well.
However, open questions remain about launcher mobility degree for Bars, and how operators of these missile-drones receive target designation for shooting down jet Shaheds.
Separately we emphasize once more that described above represents our preliminary assumptions, which may be supplemented as additional information becomes available.