Ukraine’s Defense Ministry’s Main Intelligence Directorate says it has identified a new type of kamikaze drone used by Russia in a recent attack on Ukrainian territory.
The information was published on the official website of the Defense Intelligence Service of Ukraine.
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According to the authority, the new Geranium-5 unmanned aerial system shows significant differences compared to the Geranium-2 and Geranium-3 models. The aerodynamic design is more like a robot airplane than the drones used in the past, it is approximately six meters long and has a wingspan of about 5.5 meters.
To navigate to the target, Geranium-5 uses a 12-channel Kometa satellite positioning system, a Raspberry microcomputer-based tracker and 3G and 4G communication modems. According to Ukrainian intelligence, the drone is powered by a Chinese-made Telefly jet engine, similar to the one used in the Geran-3, but providing more thrust.
The warhead consists of a 90-kilogram warhead, and its estimated range can reach 1,000 kilometers. The Central Intelligence Agency believes that the Geranium-5 can also be launched from aerial platforms, such as Su-25 fighter jets.
In addition to the main warhead, the drone can also be equipped with infrared-guided R-73 air-to-air missiles. This configuration would allow the system to be used against aerial targets, further expanding its battlefield responsibilities. According to the Ukrainian assessment, the combined use of the jet engine and air-to-air missiles could make it difficult to intercept the device by helicopters or airplanes.
Nevertheless, the authority emphasizes that questions still arise regarding the practical implementation of this concept, as well as the technical feasibility of effectively using the R-73 missile on this type of drone.
The Ukrainian Defense Intelligence Agency adds that Geranium-5 is most likely not a completely independent development of the Russian military-industrial complex. Technical analysis of the design shows significant similarities with Iran’s Karrar drone, suggesting possible influence or technology transfer.
Source and images: Ministry of Defense of Ukraine gur.gov.ua. This content is generated with the help of artificial intelligence and verified by the editors.
