Russia Deploys Advanced Geran-5 Drone with Chinese Engine

Ukraine's military intelligence agency has identified a new Russian attack drone variant that represents a significant technological upgrade to existing unmanned aerial systems. The Geran-5 drone was reportedly used in attacks during early 2026 and features several advanced capabilities that distinguish it from previous models.

The new drone incorporates a powerful Chinese-made turbojet engine, advanced navigation systems, and potentially dangerous new weaponization options. According to intelligence reports, the Geran-5 bears strong similarities to Iranian drone designs while incorporating international components that raise concerns about evolving military technology proliferation.

Ukraine's Defense Intelligence Directorate (GUR) released detailed information about the Geran-5 drone following its use in early 2026 attacks. The intelligence agency published images showing wreckage of the device on snow-covered ground, revealing long fixed wings attached to a slender chassis.

The drone measures approximately 20 feet long with a wingspan of about 18 feet. It carries a warhead weighing approximately 90 kg (200 pounds) and has a declared operational range of about 1,000 km (600 miles).

Unlike previous modifications in the Geran line, the new drone follows a normal aerodynamic scheme. GUR noted that the Geran-5 bears a strong resemblance to Iran's Karrar attack drone, suggesting continued design influence from Iranian technology.

The Geran family of drones is most commonly associated with Iranian-designed Shahed loitering munitions. While earlier models like the Geran-1 and Geran-2 used propeller propulsion, the Geran-3 and now the Geran-5 utilize turbojet engines for enhanced performance.

The Geran-5 incorporates several advanced components sourced from international manufacturers. At its core is a Telefly turbojet engine manufactured in China. According to intelligence reports, this engine generates even more thrust than the Telefly JT80 turbojet used in the Geran-3, which allows that drone to reach speeds of up to 230 miles per hour.

The drone's navigation and control systems include:

• A microcomputer modeled after the Raspberry Pi, a UK-designed low-cost computer
• 3G and 4G modems for data transmission
• A 12-channel Comet (Kometa) satellite navigation system

The Kometa navigation system is particularly notable because it typically uses multiple antennas, making it more resistant to electronic jamming attempts. Ukrainian authorities previously discovered Raspberry Pi 4 computers on Russia's more commonly used Geran-2 drones, which are modeled after the Shahed-136 and serve as Russia's primary tool for large-scale bombardments.

These drones require sophisticated computers to transmit navigation data to operators and execute precision strikes. The use of commercially available components like Raspberry Pi suggests Russia is leveraging accessible technology to maintain production while managing costs.

Perhaps most concerning is intelligence suggesting Russia plans to launch the Geran-5 from aircraft rather than ground-based ramps. The Sukhoi Su-25 fighter jet is specifically mentioned as a potential launch platform.

Air launching the drone would dramatically increase its operational range. The Su-25 could fly significant distances before deploying the Geran-5, effectively extending the drone's reach far beyond its already substantial 1,000 km range. This represents a major tactical shift from Russia's current launch methods, which typically occur from ground ramps in Western Russia, annexed Crimea, and occupied Ukrainian territories.

GUR officials noted that, "As with previous 'geraniums,' this UAV is difficult to consider as a Russian Federation development," implying continued reliance on foreign technology and design influence.

The intelligence report indicates Russia is considering arming the Geran-5 with R-73 air-to-air missiles. The R-73 is a Soviet-era heat-seeking missile, designated AA-11 Archer by NATO, originally designed for fighter jets to engage other aircraft.

"Separately, the possibility of equipping the aircraft with R-73 air-to-air missiles to counter Ukrainian aviation is being considered," GUR stated.

This would not be Russia's first attempt to adapt drones for anti-aircraft roles. Ukraine previously reported finding Geran-2 drones equipped with R-60 missiles, an older air-to-air system used to target Ukrainian helicopters hunting drones.

Equipping the Geran-5 with R-73 missiles could transform it from a purely offensive strike platform into a dual-purpose system capable of engaging both ground targets and Ukrainian aircraft, significantly complicating Ukraine's air defense calculations.

The emergence of the Geran-5 represents a significant evolution in Russia's drone warfare capabilities. By incorporating a more powerful Chinese turbojet engine, advanced navigation systems resistant to jamming, and potential air-to-air missile capabilities, this new drone variant presents multiple challenges for Ukrainian defenses.

The shift toward air launch platforms and the integration of internationally sourced components highlights how modern military technology continues to blur national boundaries in weapons development. As Russia continues to deploy increasingly sophisticated unmanned systems, Ukraine's intelligence and defense communities must adapt to counter these evolving threats.

The Geran-5's combination of extended range, enhanced speed, and potential multi-role capabilities marks a concerning development in the ongoing conflict, demonstrating how drone technology continues to advance rapidly in real-world combat conditions.