Russia deploys Geran-5 strike drone in attack for first time
The Russians have used the Geran-5 attack UAV for the first time in a strike on Ukraine in early 2026.
Source: Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU)
Details: The drone is around 6 metres long with a wingspan of up to 5.5 metres. DIU noted that unlike previous versions in the Geran drone line, the aircraft is built using a conventional aerodynamic configuration. Nevertheless, most of the key components of the Russian UAV are identical to other models in the Geran/Shahed series.
Ukrainian intelligence has posted the following specifications of the Geran-5:
- a 12-channel Kometa satellite navigation system;
- a tracker based on a Raspberry microcomputer;
- 3G/4G modems;
- a Telefly jet engine, which Russia also installed on the Geran-3 UAV, but with greater thrust.
The new Russian attack drone has a payload of 90 kg, and its stated strike range exceeds 1,000 km.
"As with previous Geran models, this UAV can hardly be considered a homegrown Russian development. Significant structural and technological similarities with the Iranian Karrar drone have been recorded. According to the information available, the enemy is also working on options to deploy the Geran-5 from aircraft, including Su-25 jets, in order to increase range and reduce operating costs," DIU said.
The Geran-5 attack drone may also be equipped with an R-73 air-to-air missile to counter Ukrainian aircraft.
Background: Earlier, it was reported that DIU had posted information about the Russian Geran-2 UAV (series E) equipped with an R-60 air-to-air missile. It was also reported that Ukraine had posted a video showing the first confirmed downing of the new Shahed-107.
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