Geran UAVs are upgraded with thermal imaging cameras for battlefield use.
The Geran suicide drones seized by Ukraine show several upgrades: thermal imaging cameras, additional antennas, and communication modems. According to Bulgarian Military, the new configuration makes it easier for the Russian Army to detect and destroy targets both day and night.
The Russian military is using a modernized version of the Geran suicide drone, equipped with thermal imaging cameras, multiple antennas, and communication modems. These details were noted by Ukrainian soldiers and experts after inspecting an intercepted Geran drone, in the context of this type of drone participating in attacks on targets in the Odessa region.
Geran UAV seized in the Odessa region
According to information from the Ukrainian side, soldiers thoroughly inspected one of the intercepted Russian Geran suicide drones. This UAV is believed to have been used in attacks targeting a series of targets in the Odessa region.
Following inspections, Ukrainian military personnel and experts confirmed that the Russian Army is using a modernized version of the Geran. Several Ukrainian public news outlets also reported on Russia deploying the new Geran configuration in actual battlefield conditions.
Technical upgrades on the Geran UAV
Images and test results indicate that the seized Geran UAV is equipped with additional hardware, focusing on enhanced target reconnaissance and attack guidance capabilities.
Ukrainian experts have noted several key points:
- Thermal imaging camera:A thermal imaging camera is featured on the UAV's body, integrated as a central component of the upgrade package. This device has been highlighted in reports related to Geran.
- Many new antennas:After disassembly and inspection, the Ukrainian side discovered additional antennas installed on the UAV, indicating that the communication and control configuration had been expanded compared to the basic models.
- Modem forwards communication:The modernized Geran UAV is equipped with a modem used for relaying communications, allowing data transmission between the UAV and the operator.
According to descriptions from Ukraine, thanks to the aforementioned equipment complex, the operator can search for suitable targets and carry out attacks. Thus, Geran is no longer just a suicide attack vehicle flying along a fixed route, but is capable of assisting in observation and target selection during operation, according to what Ukrainian sources have noted.
Expert opinion from Ukraine on the modernization process.
Ukrainian media expert Sergei "Flash" Beskrestnov has previously written articles about the extensive modernization of Geran-type UAVs. The information that emerged from the inspection of the seized Geran is consistent with the description of the upgrade trend that Beskrestnov previously mentioned.
Beskrestnov stated that in Ukraine, these UAVs are often referred to by the nickname "Shahed," even though modern Russian drones have very little in common with Iran's Shahed-136 model. He compared this naming convention to the fact that all photocopiers are called "xerox," even if they aren't manufactured by Xerox. This reflects a common naming convention that doesn't necessarily equate to technical equivalence.
Thermal imaging cameras and their role in attacks.
Public reports highlight the crucial role of thermal imaging cameras on the Geran. According to descriptions, thanks to this equipment, the Russian suicide drone has become a "night wizard" for at least the past six months. This term refers to the ability to deploy effectively for extended periods, even in changing lighting conditions.
Assessment from Bulgarian Military on the operational impact
The Bulgarian Military publication mentioned the Geran UAV equipped with a thermal imaging camera in an article in June. According to the article, with this new configuration, the Russian Army can easily detect and destroy soldiers and military equipment, regardless of the level of camouflage or the time of day.
This information indicates that the upgrades to the Geran are not limited to hardware additions, but have been deployed in real combat environments and documented by Ukrainian sources as well as international press. Based on the available data, it can be confirmed that the modernized Geran UAV is being used as a suicide attack vehicle capable of searching for, detecting, and hitting targets with the support of thermal imaging cameras, antennas, and communication modems, according to the aforementioned sources.
