Kathrine Frich
Ukrainian intelligence has disclosed new technical details about a Russian combat drone that has recently entered service.
The unmanned system represents a further evolution of Moscow’s long-range strike capabilities.
While the drone’s speed and design stand out, the origin of some of its parts has drawn particular attention.
New drone unveiled
Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Service (HUR) said it has identified the characteristics of the Geran-5, a new Russian attack drone equipped with a jet engine and capable of speeds of up to 600 km/h.
According to HUR, the drone closely resembles the Iranian-made Karrar UAV and is largely assembled using modules similar to those found in earlier Geran models produced at Russia’s Alabuga facility.
Intelligence officials said Russia is also considering launching the Geran-5 from a Su-25 ground-attack aircraft.
Technical profile
HUR said the Geran-5 has a total take-off weight of about 850 kilograms and a cruising speed ranging from 450 to 600 km/h. Its flight autonomy is estimated at around two hours, with a maximum range of up to 950 kilometers.
The drone can reach altitudes of up to six kilometers, although recorded operational use has ranged between 200 meters and three kilometers.
According to Ukrainian intelligence, the Geran-5 is powered by a Chinese-made TELEFLY TF-TJ2000A turbojet engine, delivering a thrust of 200 kilogram-force.
Shared components
HUR reported that the UAV uses many of the same systems as earlier Geran drones.
These include an FCU flight controller, a SADRA/MINSOO inertial navigation system, and a Kometa-M12 satellite navigation unit with a 12-element CRP antenna.
Other components cited include a Tracker V3 telemetry system based on a Raspberry Pi microcomputer and 3G/LTE modems, as well as a Xingkai Tech XK-F358 MESH modem.
The drone’s fuselage skin, wings and tail are made of carbon fiber, while the main structural elements use aluminum and steel.
Western technology
Ukrainian intelligence said it identified electronic components originating from China, the United States and Germany.
“The expansion of the Russian arsenal of attack systems based on Iranian prototypes, as well as the continued use of components manufactured in countries of the free world, underscores the need to intensify efforts to block aggressor states’ access to critical technologies,” HUR said.
The agency noted that Russia continues to use the same experimental E-series markings previously seen on modified Geran-2 drones.
HUR has previously released an interactive diagram detailing the structure and electronic base of the Geran-2 E-series UAV, as well as a 3D model of the Russian Orion drone.
The agency has also identified dozens of enterprises involved in producing Russian unmanned aerial systems.
Sources: Digi24, HUR
