Russia Rolls Out Jet-Powered Geran-3 and Geran-5 Drones From New Bases Closer to Ukraine

Russia has set up new launch infrastructure for advanced strike drones in the Oryol region while continuing to expand its deployment footprint, according to analysts from the OSINT group Strategic Aviation of Russia on April 22.

The launch positions, identified near the village of Tsymbulova, are believed to be used for newer jet-powered variants of the Geran drone family, including the Geran-3/4 and Geran-5.

In a separate development, analysts also noted that these drones are currently launched from only a limited number of sites, including the Tsymbulova area and Donetsk airport.

Analysts say the launch structures themselves are unusually large, measuring roughly 80 meters in length. “It is about three times larger than a standard launch system for conventional UAVs,” they noted.

Imagery from the area shows multiple drones stored in the open near launch points, suggesting active operational use. In addition, clusters of civilian vehicles have been observed nearby, which analysts believe may be used as improvised platforms to assist with drone launches.

Construction activity is also underway at the site, with new storage facilities being built to support an expanding drone inventory.

The Geran-3/4 variants are equipped with turbojet engines and dual fuel tanks, enabling speeds between 300 and 370 kilometers per hour and an operational range of up to 1,000 kilometers.

These drones are also fitted with the Kometa-M12 satellite navigation system, designed to resist electronic warfare interference through an adaptive 12-element antenna array. The Geran-3 is additionally reported to carry a camera and video transmission system.

The Geran-5 represents a more significant evolution. Unlike earlier models, its design resembles a cruise missile more than a traditional drone, with a different aerodynamic layout and intended role. Analysts describe it as a hybrid “drone-missile”—a concept that has also appeared in Ukrainian developments.

One of its most notable features is speed. The Geran-5 is estimated to fly at 500 to 600 kilometers per hour, making it substantially faster than the widely used Geran-2 (Shahed-136), which typically reaches around 180 kilometers per hour.

Earlier, Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate released a detailed technical breakdown of Russia’s new strike unmanned aerial vehicle, the “Geran-5,” according to materials published on the War&Sanctions portal.

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