Leaked Video Reveals Russia’s Cheap Foam Drone “Gerbera” Used to Overwhelm Ukrainian Air Defenses

Russia is employing a new type of drone, named the Gerbera, in its ongoing war against Ukraine. Positioned as a less sophisticated version of the Iranian-made Shahed drone, the Gerbera is designed to overwhelm Ukrainian air defenses with its sheer numbers.

Recent footage released by Russian forces has provided crucial details about the drone, including its construction and capabilities. Despite being made from foam and assembled with a relatively low production standard, the Gerbera poses a significant threat due to its potential to saturate Ukrainian airspace.

The video originated from the Russian unit “Stalin’s Falcons,” closely linked to the Alabuga facility, where Shahed drones are manufactured. The unit’s insignia even depicts an Iranian drone superimposed on a Soviet flag.

Analysis of the drone suggests it can be configured for various roles, including reconnaissance, attack, and decoy missions. While the intercepted example was not armed, evidence suggests the drone is capable of carrying a warhead and using a basic camera for targeting.

The accuracy of the Gerbera’s attacks relies heavily on the skill of the operator, as demonstrated in the released footage. The drone’s limited range, estimated to be around 300 kilometers without a warhead, suggests its primary role may be intelligence gathering rather than direct strikes. However, it can also be used as a decoy to distract Ukrainian air defenses.

Earlier, on July 24, reports came out of a new unidentified type of drone that was used to attack Kyiv.