According to technical details released by Ukrainian intelligence, the Geran-5 features a slender airframe equipped with long, straight wings and a tubular fuselage optimized for high-speed flight. Measuring nearly six meters in length with a wingspan of approximately 5.5 meters, it fits into an intermediate category between a heavy tactical drone and a light cruise missile.
10,000 Drones A Month? Meet The Start-up Scaling Military AI Like Never Before
Geran-5: a jet-powered drone with extended range
The adoption of a jet engine represents a major doctrinal shift. The Geran-5 is powered by a Chinese-made Telefly turbojet, already seen in some experimental Russian drones, but here configured for higher thrust. This type of propulsion enables a flight regime completely different from that of propeller-driven drones: higher speed, better mid-altitude stability, and shorter transit time to the target.
From an aerodynamic standpoint, the use of conventional wings combined with a dorsal air intake suggests optimization for sustained flight rather than just a terminal attack trajectory. This configuration also supports the ability to carry a significant payload without severely compromising range. Available data suggests a range of about 1,000 kilometers, according to Militaryi, positioning the Geran-5 as a deep-strike platform capable of reaching distant targets without relying on launch platforms near the front lines.
How the Geran-5 Finds Its Targets with Civilian Tech
The Geran-5’s electronic architecture reflects a pragmatic mix of military and civilian components. Guidance is provided by a 12-channel Comet satellite navigation system, designed to enhance positioning accuracy and redundancy. This is complemented by a tracking module based on a Raspberry Pi, as well as 3G and 4G modems for data transmission.
This technological hybridization serves two goals: limiting costs and industrial constraints, and offering software flexibility for mission updates. However, partial reliance on civilian networks also introduces vulnerabilities, particularly in intense electronic warfare environments, where jamming and communications disruption remain major threats.
Warhead and Modular Weapons System
The Geran-5 is primarily designed as a kamikaze drone. Its main warhead is estimated at around 90 kilograms, sufficient to cause serious damage to critical infrastructure or hardened targets. However, the platform’s modularity allows for more complex configurations.
Technical analysis suggests it could carry R-73 infrared-guided air-to-air missiles. Such an integration would turn the Geran-5 into a hybrid vector, capable of threatening aircraft involved in air defense missions. From a technical standpoint, this raises several challenges: sensor integration, target designation, and flight envelope compatibility. Nonetheless, it indicates a Russian interest in exploring asymmetric drone applications beyond basic ground strikes.
How Russia Plans to Launch Its Geran-5 from the Sky
Another key feature is the Geran-5’s apparent air-launch capability. Images and analysis point to potential deployment under the wings of Su-25 attack aircraft. This method offers several operational benefits: increased effective range, greater flexibility in approach angles, and reduced initial radar signature. This airborne deployment brings the Geran-5 closer to a light cruise missile while maintaining the flexibility of a drone.
Structural analysis of the Geran-5 reveals clear similarities with the Iranian Karrar drone, especially regarding jet propulsion and certain airframe solutions. These overlaps support the theory of technology transfer or adaptation of existing systems, rather than a fully independent development. In the context of sanctions and industrial constraints, this approach illustrates Russia’s ability to combine foreign input, civilian components, and local engineering to accelerate the deployment of new systems.
