Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) reported that Russian occupation forces have begun using next-generation Geran-5 attack UAVs in air strikes against Ukraine as of early 2026.
According to Interfax-Ukraine, GUR reported the technical details of the platform, which was detected for the first time during Russia’s latest combined attacks.
Technical Characteristics and Structural Changes
Data shared by GUR indicate that, unlike previous models in the series, the Geran-5 is manufactured with a conventional aerodynamic configuration (traditional fuselage and tail design). The platform is approximately 6 meters long with a wingspan of 5.5 meters, and its propulsion system reportedly uses a Telefly jet engine similar to that of the Geran-3 model but with higher thrust. The UAV’s electronic equipment consists of a 12-channel Comet satellite navigation system, a Raspberry-type computer-based tracker, and 3G/4G modems. The system carries a warhead weighing approximately 90 kg, and its declared flight range is around 1,000 km.
Technological Similarities and Component Structure
The report noted that many of the Geran-5’s main components are of a unified design shared with other series. GUR emphasized that the system is not an original Russian development, highlighting that the platform has significant structural and technological similarities to the Iranian-made Karrar drone.
Su-25 Integration Efforts
Another critical detail reflected in the intelligence report concerns the concept of use. It was reported that the Russian military is working on options to launch the Geran-5 model from aircraft, particularly Su-25 platforms. Through this method, it is stated that the aim is to increase the system’s range and reduce operational usage costs.
Source: C4Defence /Interfax-Ukraine
