Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense’s Defense Intelligence Directorate has announced that it has identified a new type of suicide drone used by Russia in recent attacks on Ukrainian territory.
This information was published on the official website of the Defense Intelligence Service of Ukraine.
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The newly identified unmanned aerial system, designated Geranium-5, has significantly different characteristics from Geranium-2 and Geranium-3, the agency said. Its aerodynamic design is more similar to a cruise missile than a traditional drone, with an overall length of approximately 6 meters and a wingspan of approximately 5.5 meters.
Navigation to the target uses a 12-channel Kometa satellite positioning system, a tracker using a Raspberry microcomputer, and a 3G/4G communication modem. According to Ukrainian intelligence, the drone is propelled by a Chinese-made Telefly jet engine, similar to the one installed in the Geran-3, but with more thrust.
The combat payload consists of a warhead weighing approximately 90 kg and has an estimated range of up to 1,000 kilometers. The Defense Intelligence Directorate also assesses that Geranium-5 could be launched from air platforms such as Su-25 attack aircraft.
In addition to the main warhead, the drone can also carry an infrared-guided R-73 air-to-air missile. This configuration could allow it to operate against air targets, potentially expanding its use on the battlefield. Ukraine estimates that the combination of jet engines and air-to-air missiles could make it difficult for helicopters and aircraft to intercept the attack.
Still, the agency notes that questions remain about the operational feasibility of the concept and whether R-73 missiles can be used effectively with this type of drone.
Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Service also adds that Geranium-5 is unlikely to be a completely indigenous development by the Russian military-industrial complex. Technical analysis of the design has identified significant similarities to the Iranian Karrar drone, suggesting possible influence and technology transfer.
Source and image: Ministry of Defense of Ukraine gur.gov.ua. This content was created with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.
