Geran drones with jet propulsion: Russia turns to faster Geran-4 and Geran-5 against Ukraine

Russia has recently been attacking Ukraine far less often with propeller-driven Geran-2 long-range strike drones, which are based on an Iranian licence. Their jet-powered variant, the Geran-3, has also barely been seen. Instead, Russia is apparently pushing ahead with the production of new Geran drones: the Geran-4 and Geran-5, which are faster and therefore harder to intercept.

The switch of Russian Geran production to Models 4 and 5 marks a significant turning point in the use of long-range strike weapons against Ukraine. Technically, the new drones are considered considerably more advanced than their predecessors and could make Russian air strikes more effective. The switch is therefore not only about technical development – it also has strategic and operational consequences for the further course of the war.

Faster, further, more agile

Cruising speeds of 300 to 350 km/h and a top speed of up to 500 km/h are cited for the Geran-4. The Geran-5 is reportedly faster still, at up to 600 km/h – making it the fastest Geran drone and moving it into the category of a small cruise missile. Compared with the earlier piston-engined Geran-2, these figures are around three to four times higher, and the same applies compared with the Geran-3. In retrospect, the latter can be seen as a transitional model: with a jet engine, but without aerodynamics adapted to it.

Thanks to their higher speed, the new drones can more easily evade Ukrainian interceptor drones and air defence measures. In active evasive manoeuvres, the Geran-4 is said to reach a roll rate of 35 to 40 degrees per second – making it hard for Ukraine's interceptor drones to hit. High speed and agility could make the Geran-5 even more effective; it could also reach targets deep in Ukraine's hinterland.

The Geran-4 apparently carries a payload of 50 kilograms, configured either as a fragmentation or a thermobaric warhead. The Geran-5 has an even greater payload capacity: it is said to be able to carry up to 90 kilograms of explosives.

Chinese engines, revised aerodynamics

Two types of Chinese turbojet engines are apparently used in the Geran-4: the Telefly LX-WP-160 with 160 kilograms-force of thrust and the more powerful Telefly TF-TJ2000A with 200 kilograms-force of thrust. The latter is also said to power the Geran-5. As described above, these engines account for the higher speeds and improved manoeuvrability.

As the successor to the Geran-3, the Geran-4 eliminates its aerodynamic problems. A redesigned fuselage with an improved and reinforced structure now makes possible the higher speeds that a jet engine fundamentally allows. To reduce drag, the wings are firmly integrated into the fuselage and there are fewer technical hatches. The Geran-5 is said to be able to climb to 6,000 metres. The drone thus operates beyond the reach of many simple ground-based defences – Ukrainian air defence may then have to use more expensive missiles such as IRIS-T SLS/SLM or AMRAAM with the NASAMS air defence system.

Where the Geran drones are built

Production of the Geran-4 and Geran-5 drones has apparently been spread across several sites in Russia – including the Alabuga Special Economic Zone and the so-called “black sparks” of Shahed production. The choice of these sites is intended to decentralise production and secure supply to the Russian armed forces. Satellite imagery shows further production halls being built in Alabuga. The industrial zone is protected by several air defence positions, for example here and here.

Russia apparently intends to ramp up production of the new Geran models to as many as 3,000 drones per month. This massive increase is meant to enable use in large numbers and thus overwhelm Ukrainian air defence. Production is reportedly running without interruption – to meet demand and hold the strategic initiative. For comparison: at its peak, the production rate of the Geran-2 was apparently more than 10,000 units per month.

Moving targets in the crosshairs too

The new drones are no longer aimed only at fixed targets such as infrastructure or military bases. Moving targets can also be attacked: drone boats and ships, troop convoys, air defence positions and artillery. The variant known as “Seeker” delivers sharp video via an electro-optical camera. Ukrainian analysts point to the Rassvet satellites that Russia has launched so far: these currently offer up to two daily windows in which images could be transmitted over long distances and drones controlled remotely.

Videos from Russian sources show the drones flying towards marked moving targets. Mesh radio is used for the video data or – as described above – already Russia's satellite internet. Targets hit recently include several ships in the Black Sea as well as:

• 2 August: “Terminal Rosetka” logistics complex near Kyiv
• 4 August: railway infrastructure of “Trostianets-Smorodyne” station, Sumy Oblast
• 8 August: halls of “Kromberg & Schubert Ukraine” near Zhytomyr
• 11 August: “Epicentr” shopping centre, Zaporizhzhia

Ukraine adapts technology and tactics

Ukraine has responded to the new drone models with adapted techniques and tactics. For some time it has been developing and testing interceptor drones that can climb higher and fly considerably faster.