Ukraine recovers Russia’s undamaged Geran-3 jet kamikaze drone carrying camera and live-link equipment (VIDEO)

A fully intact Russian Geran-3 jet-powered kamikaze drone has been recovered by Ukrainian defenders, according to Militarnyi. The drone, equipped with a video camera, live-feed system, and a mesh network modem, allows for real-time remote control without direct operator contact.

Ukrainian forces recover functional Geran-3 suicide drone

Video from the Geran-3’s onboard camera was shared by the Facebook group Zampotekh Omelianovych. The footage confirmed the drone’s camera and mesh-linked modem remained operational. The mesh system allows the drone to relay commands through other airborne units, vastly extending its controllable range.

The find aligns with earlier analysis published by Ukraine’s military intelligence agency, which examined a Geran-3 from the “U” series. The drone features a Chinese-made Telefly JT80 turbojet engine and twin fuel tanks, offering speeds from 300 to 370 km/h and an operational range of up to 1000 km. Its top speeds are typically reached during engagements with Ukrainian air defenses or electronic warfare systems.

Geran-3’s onboard systems mirror those in gasoline-powered Geran-2 variants. It includes the SADRA inertial navigation system, pressure-sensing equipment, and a power distribution unit. For protection against signal jamming, it uses a Cometa-M12 satellite navigation module with a 12-element adaptive antenna. Its video equipment is identical to that of the Geran-2 “Ъ” series.

Ukrainian specialists identified 45 foreign-made components inside the Geran-3. Half of these parts originate from the US. The remaining come from China (8), Switzerland (7), Germany (3), the UK (2), and Japan (1).

Russia’s local production of jet drones based on Iranian designs

Ukraine’s intelligence agency reported in February 2025 that Russia had begun small-scale production of its own version of the Iranian Shahed-238, equipped with Tolou-10/13 jet engines. In June, drone debris with the serial number U-36 confirmed Russia’s manufacturing efforts. These drones have since been observed during combined missile and drone assaults.

The Iranian-made Shahed-238, first unveiled publicly in late 2023, was already offered to Russia months earlier. It boasts flight speeds up to 600 km/h, a maximum range of 2000 km in some specs, and features a 50–90 kg warhead, according to Militarnyi. However, due to the high costs and manufacturing challenges, its production remains limited.