Russian forces have commenced deployment of a new generation of high-speed attack drones against Ukrainian targets, with military intelligence from Kyiv alleging that critical components within these weapons originate from Western and Chinese manufacturers. The emergence of the Geran-5 long-range unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) represents a significant technological advancement in Moscow's drone warfare capabilities, potentially presenting a formidable challenge to Ukraine's already strained air defence systems.
Advanced Capabilities of the Geran-5 Drone
Wreckage recovered from a Geran-5 drone that was fired at Ukraine in early January has revealed a series of enhanced features that distinguish it from previous models. Unlike earlier iterations based on Iran's delta-shaped Shahed drone, the Geran-5 features a long cylindrical body attached to wings, giving it a more conventional aircraft-like appearance. This new design is powered by a Chinese turbo jet engine, enabling significantly improved performance metrics.
The drone boasts an estimated top speed of 600km/h (approximately 370mph), making it considerably faster than the previous jet-powered Geran-3 model, which had a maximum speed of less than 400km/h. This increased velocity presents a substantial challenge for Ukrainian air defence teams, who have reported that the shrinking window of time to intercept and shoot down these drones is becoming increasingly problematic.
Operational Range and Payload Capacity
Beyond its impressive speed, the Geran-5 demonstrates substantial operational capabilities with a range of just under 1,000km (620 miles) and the ability to carry a 90kg payload. Military analysts have speculated that Russia may be exploring methods to extend the weapon's range even further, potentially through mid-air delivery from manned aircraft. This would represent another tactical evolution in how these drones could be deployed against Ukrainian infrastructure and military positions.
International Component Concerns
Ukrainian intelligence officials have expressed serious concerns about the origins of components identified within the new drones. Analysis suggests that parts from German and Chinese manufacturers have been incorporated into the Geran-5's construction, alongside microchips that appear to have been produced in the United States. This revelation raises significant questions about international supply chains and the potential circumvention of export controls designed to limit Russia's military capabilities.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed these developments during a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, highlighting Russia's apparent escalation in drone production. According to Zelenskyy, Russia now appears to be manufacturing as many as 500 drones daily, alongside dozens of ballistic missiles. This figure would represent an almost threefold increase from early last year, when Ukrainian intelligence estimated production at approximately 170 drones per day at Russia's Alabuga special economic zone facility.
Strategic Shift in Drone Warfare
The introduction of the Geran-5 marks what appears to be a strategic shift in Russia's approach to drone warfare. Rather than focusing exclusively on increasing the sheer volume of daily drone attacks, which have stabilised at an average of just over 170 per day, Moscow now seems to be prioritising technological advancements designed to overcome Ukrainian air defences.
A recent report from the Institute for Science and International Security notes that Russia has been observed increasing the proportion of Shahed-type drones equipped with online video cameras and radio modems. This upgrade requires specialised equipment and trained operators to effectively control the UAVs, which may partially explain why the overall number of daily launches has not increased more dramatically.
Additional Technological Innovations
Ukrainian intelligence has reported further innovations in Russia's drone arsenal beyond the Geran-5. Geran-2 drones have apparently been equipped with portable anti-aircraft missiles, potentially for use against Ukrainian aircraft attempting to intercept them. This development represents another layer in the evolving cat-and-mouse game between offensive drone capabilities and defensive countermeasures.
The increasing sophistication of Russian drones comes at a critical juncture in the conflict. While Russia fired a record 810 drones against Ukraine in a single night in September, smaller daily air attacks have become more typical. However, the technological improvements embodied in weapons like the Geran-5 suggest that even with relatively stable attack numbers, the threat to Ukrainian defences continues to escalate through enhanced capabilities rather than sheer volume alone.
