Ukraine Reports First Deployment of Russia’s Jet-Launch Capable Geran-5 Drones

Russia has introduced a new long-range attack drone, known as Geran-5, in its airstrikes against Ukraine for the first time, according to the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine (HUR), as reported on January 11.

The Geran-5 was reportedly used during combined aerial attacks launched at the beginning of 2026. HUR stated that the drone differs significantly from previous iterations of the Geran series, marking a new phase in Russia’s drone warfare capabilities.

According to HUR, the drone features a length of approximately six meters and a wingspan of up to 5.5 meters. Unlike earlier versions, it is designed using a standard aerodynamic configuration. Despite this redesign, many components remain compatible with previous Geran models.

The drone is equipped with a jet engine manufactured by Telefly, similar to the one used in Geran-3, but with increased thrust. The warhead is estimated to weigh around 90 kilograms, with an operational strike range of up to 1,000 kilometers.

HUR also noted the drone includes:

• A 12-channel Kometa satellite navigation system;

• A tracker based on a Raspberry Pi microcomputer;

• Integrated 3G/4G communication modules.

Ukrainian intelligence assessments suggest the Geran-5 is not an original Russian design. Analysts point to significant structural and technological similarities with the Iranian Karrar drone, reinforcing previous reports of Russian use of Iranian-origin systems under localized branding.

According to HUR, Russian forces are evaluating air-launched deployment of the Geran-5 from aircraft such as the Su-25. This method could extend the drone’s range and reduce per-use costs. Ukrainian officials also confirmed that Russia is considering arming the drone with R-73 air-to-air missiles, potentially enabling it to target Ukrainian aircraft.

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The intelligence agency stated that samples of the new drone are currently undergoing technical examination.

Since the start of its full-scale invasion, Russia has repeatedly used Iranian-origin drones such as Shahed-131 and Shahed-136, which are rebranded as Geran-1 and Geran-2. The appearance of the Geran-5 suggests an evolution in Russia’s domestic drone production and adaptation of foreign technologies.

Earlier, Ukrainian forces recovered a modified Russian Shahed drone equipped with a Verba MANPADS, marking the first known use of loitering munitions as airborne anti-air platforms. According to radio expert Serhii Beskrestnov, the missile—controlled remotely from Russian territory—was mounted directly on the drone’s fuselage and posed a new threat to Ukrainian pilots.

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