Russia is experimenting with new formats of aerial warfare. In 2026, Moscow forces employed the 6-meter-long Geran-5 for the first time, a new jet-powered strike unmanned aerial vehicle, according to Ukraine's Defense Intelligence.
The new UAV has a wingspan of up to 5.5 meters. Its warhead weighs about 90 kg, and the stated strike range is up to 1,000 km.
Russia has tried to design an air defense killer
Of particular concern is information that Russia is considering equipping the Geran-5 with R-73 air-to-air missiles. Such a move would represent an attempt to transform a strike UAV into an element of air defense or counter-air warfare.
The use of a jet engine, as well as R-73 missiles, significantly complicates the interception of the platform by helicopters and fighter aircraft.
Russia uses Iranian developments and British Raspberry Pi microcomputer
In its news drone, Russia uses a 12-channel “Kometa” satellite navigation system, a tracker based on the UK's Raspberry Pi microcomputer, and 3G/4G modems. The UAV is powered by a Telefly jet engine, similar to the one used on the Geran-3, but with increased thrust.
Ukraine's Defense Intelligence emphasizes that this UAV can hardly be considered an indigenous Russian development. Significant structural and technological similarities have been identified between the Iranian Karrar UAV and Russian systems, once again confirming Russia’s dependence on Iranian technologies.
Russia is also exploring options for launching the Geran-5 from airborne platforms, including the Su-25 aircraft. The goal is to increase operational range while reducing deployment costs.
