The Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has announced that it has identified a new type of kamikaze drone used by Russia during a recent attack on Ukrainian territory.
The information was published on the official website of the Defense Intelligence Service of Ukraine.
According to the institution, the new unmanned aerial system, designated Geranium-5, has significant differences from the Geranium-2 and Geranium-3 models. The aerodynamic design is more like that of a cruise missile than that of previously used drones, with a length of about six meters and a wingspan of about 5.5 meters.
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For target navigation, Geranium-5 uses a 12-channel Kometa satellite positioning system, as well as a tracking device based on a Raspberry microcomputer and 3G and 4G communication modems. According to Ukrainian information, the drone is powered by a Chinese-made Telefly jet engine, similar to the one used on the Geran-3, but with a higher thrust level.
The warhead consists of a warhead of approximately 90 kg with an estimated range of up to 1,000 kilometers. The Main Directorate of Intelligence also assesses that the Geranium-5 could be launched from aerial platforms, such as Su-25 attack aircraft.
In addition to the main warhead, the drone can be equipped with R-73 air-to-air missiles equipped with infrared guidance. This configuration would allow the system to be used against aerial targets, expanding its role on the battlefield. According to the Ukrainian assessment, the combined use of a jet engine and air-to-air missiles could make it difficult for helicopters or aircraft to intercept the device.
However, the institution points out that doubts persist regarding the practical implementation of this concept and the technical feasibility of the effective use of the R-73 missile on a drone of this type.
Ukraine’s defense intelligence services add that Geranium-5 is most likely not a product developed entirely autonomously by the Russian military-industrial complex. Technical analysis of the project indicates relevant similarities with the Iranian Karrar drone, suggesting possible influence or technology transfer.
Source and images: Ministry of Defense of Ukraine gur.gov.ua. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
