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Russia Uses Jet-Powered Geran-5 Drone for First Time, Ukraine Says

Ukrainian intelligence reports a jet-powered system with Iranian Karrar ties now undergoing technical review.

Overview

  • Ukraine’s military intelligence confirms the Geran-5’s first operational use during early-2026 strikes on Ukrainian targets.
  • The drone measures about 6 meters in length with a wingspan up to 5.5 meters and employs a higher-thrust Telefly jet engine in a conventional airframe.
  • Reported components include a 12-channel Kometa satellite navigation system, a Raspberry Pi–based tracker, and 3G/4G modems.
  • The payload is roughly 90 kilograms with a claimed range of around 1,000 kilometers, suggesting coverage of all Ukrainian territory.
  • Intelligence assesses strong similarities to Iran’s Karrar and says Russia is exploring Su-25 air-launch and possible R-73 missile fit, as Ukrainian specialists analyze recovered samples and report a recent surge in Russian drone, bomb, and missile attacks.