Russia deploys new Geran-5 UAVs capable of carrying air-to-air missiles.
The video shows Russia's new Geran-5 UAV attacking a target in Sumy. This weapon has a range of up to 1,000km and can be deployed from a Su-25 fighter jet.
The Geran-5 is the latest unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) of the Russian military, recently confirmed to have seen combat in released videos. This weapon system is designed to combine the characteristics of a suicide drone and a ground-attack cruise missile at a low production cost.
Field operations
According to video data, a Geran-5 drone carried out an attack targeting a fuel and gas facility near the settlement of Moshenka in Ukraine's Sumy Oblast. This location is approximately 50km from the border with Russia's Belgorod Oblast. However, the actual flight path of the UAV was recorded as up to 150km from its launch point in Belgorod to its target.
Notably, the video provides live footage from a device resembling an optical seeker mounted on the missile's nose. This allows the operator to observe the target and confirm an accurate strike during the final stage of flight.
Technical specifications and navigation system
The Geran-5 has a 6-meter-long fuselage and a 5.5-meter wingspan, using a jet engine believed to be a copy of the Chinese Telefly series. Despite its similar design to a cruise missile, the device is optimized to keep costs as low as possible.
| Parameter | Video data released | Leaked documents (Ukrainian intelligence) |
|---|---|---|
| Shooting range | 600 km | 1,000 km |
| Warhead weight | 50 kg | 90 kg |
| Maximum speed | 350 km/h | 450 - 600 km/h |
In terms of navigation, the Geran-5 is equipped with inertial navigation technology supported by the 12-channel GLONASS “Kometa” system, which offers high anti-jamming capabilities. Additionally, the device uses a 3G/4G modem as a secondary navigation and data transmission channel. Its ability to fly at extremely low altitudes is also a key feature that makes this UAV difficult to detect by Western air defense systems.
Multitasking and deployment capabilities from aircraft.
Besides its ground attack role, technical documents indicate that the Geran-5 has the capability for flexible integration with other assets. Specifically, this UAV can be carried and launched from Su-25 fighter jets (up to two per aircraft).
Notably, the Geran-5 can also act as an interceptor aircraft when equipped with R-60M short-range air-to-air missiles. The appearance of the Geran-5 represents a new step forward for the Russian defense industry in developing low-cost, long-range guided weapons, filling the gap between inexpensive drones and expensive cruise missiles.
