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Ukraine Says Russia Fielded New Geran-5 Drone With Jet Engine and Dual-Role Strike Capability

Kyiv’s intelligence service published a component trace to spur tighter export controls.

Overview

  • Ukraine’s military intelligence reports the Geran-5 was used in an early-January attack and cites a range near 1,000 km with a warhead of about 90 kg.
  • The design reportedly departs from Shahed-style Gerans, adopting a Karrar-like airframe and a more powerful Telefly turbojet from China.
  • HUR says the drone can engage aircraft and ground targets, carrying a defensive system alongside a conventional or thermobaric TBBCh-50M warhead under real-time manual control.
  • Reported avionics include a Raspberry Pi–based microcomputer, 3G/4G modems, and a Kometa satellite navigation unit with multiple antennas, with electronics traced to the US, China, Switzerland, Taiwan, Japan, Germany, and the UK.
  • Russia is exploring air-launch from jets such as the Su-25 and potential integration of R-73 air-to-air missiles, which HUR describes as under consideration rather than confirmed in service.