Photo: Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence (HUR)
Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence (HUR) has disclosed details about a new Russian loitering munition, saying Russian forces used the Geran‑5 kamikaze drone against Ukraine for the first time during a combined attack this year.
According to HUR, the strike UAV is about six meters long with a wingspan of 5.5 meters. Compared with earlier Geran variants, the Geran‑5 is built using a conventional aerodynamic design, although most of its components and key systems are unified with other Geran‑type drones.
The Geran‑5 carries a 90‑kilogram warhead and has an estimated strike range of around 1,000 kilometers. Russian forces equipped the drone with a 12‑channel Kometa satellite navigation system and a tracker based on a Raspberry microcomputer. It is powered by a Telefly jet engine, also used on the Geran‑3, but with increased thrust.
HUR noted that the Geran‑5 shows technological and structural similarities to the Iranian-made Karrar UAV.
Russia is also exploring the use of a modified version of the Geran drone launched from Su‑25 fighter jets to extend its range and reduce operating costs. In addition, the aggressor state is considering equipping the Geran‑5 with R‑73 air‑to‑air missiles to counter Ukrainian aircraft.
