Ukraine’s military announced that Russia’s jet-powered Geran-3 drone is not just faster than its predecessor, but it also incorporates numerous foreign components, highlighting its resilience against electronic warfare.
The Главное управление разведки (HUR), Ukraine’s military intelligence division, shared crucial information regarding the Geran-3, developed from the Iranian Shahed-238 model.
This drone, introduced on the battlefield earlier this year, has quickly become a familiar sight in Russian assaults. The Geran-3 represents a more advanced version of the Geran-2, which itself is a local adaptation of the Iranian Shahed-136.
Unlike the Geran-2 that relies on a propeller, the new Geran-3 is propelled by a turbojet engine, enabling it to soar at speeds up to 370 kilometers per hour (approximately 230 miles per hour) and a striking range of 1,000 kilometers (620 miles). With explosive payloads, it functionally dives towards targets before detonating.
The HUR’s report indicates these drones often hit their peak speeds when breaching defensive measures established by Ukraine, especially in areas typically covered by air defenses.
While much of the drone’s internal construction mirrors that of the Geran-2, it has been noted that the Geran-3 is equipped with a similar camera and video broadcasting system.
The notable upgrade is its satellite navigation system that demonstrates resilience against widely used electronic warfare techniques by both conflicting sides.
According to the HUR, nearly 50 of its components originate from various Western nations, including the USA, UK, Switzerland, Germany, and also some from China—who has often been implicated in providing essential tech to Russia.
Despite heavy international sanctions limiting Russia post-invasion, these foreign-made parts can still find their ways into the drone via indirect routes.
The Geran-3 adds to a growing range of Russian weaponry allegedly equipped with Western-made components, as stated by Ukraine.
This advancement signals Russia’s strategic push to enhance its one-way attack drone arsenal. The production of the drone models inspired by Iranian designs is booming, with many being developed monthly.
Furthermore, Russia is investing in new deployment locations for these drone attacks, showcasing their capability to execute mass assaults. Recent calculations suggest Russia might be able to launch up to 2,000 drones in a single night.
In response to the escalating threats from these drone attacks, Ukraine is hastily accelerating the production of interceptor drones. These new systems provide cost-effective aerial defense properties and may now have the capability to engage and take down the Geran-3.
