Russian drone upgrades speed and threat

Russian forces have upgraded their Geran drones, derived from the Iranian Shahed 136 model, by replacing their piston engines with Chinese turbojets. This change, implemented starting in January 2024, increased the Geran-3's speed to 480 km/h, doubling the speed of its predecessor, the Geran-2.

Jet-powered drones challenge Ukrainian defenses

Ukraine's air defense systems previously intercepted between 92 and 96 percent of propeller-driven drones. However, the introduction of faster jet-powered Geran models has reduced this effectiveness, making it harder for Ukrainian forces to track and intercept the drones in time.

Drones dominate the battlefield

In the ongoing conflict, drones have become a major weapon on both sides. Russia has refined its drone technology to bypass Ukrainian defenses, while Ukraine has focused on developing cost-effective methods to intercept these unmanned aircraft, often using less expensive systems compared to traditional weapons.

Mass production and rapid deployment

The Geran drone, now produced in Russia under license, has reached its fifth version in just four years. It is known for its durability, low cost, and the ability to be manufactured at an industrial scale. According to the Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS), Russia was capable of sending an average of 167 Geran drones per day to Ukraine in May 2026.

Advanced features and increased range

The Geran-5, the latest version, is equipped with a more powerful engine, allowing it to carry a 90 kg warhead with a range of about 1,000 km. This increased capability poses a greater threat to Ukrainian infrastructure and military positions, as the drones can now reach deeper into Ukrainian territory.

Ukraine faces rising costs for defense

To counter the faster and more advanced Geran models, Ukraine may need to invest in more expensive anti-air systems like the Patriot, where each missile costs over three million dollars. This shift could strain Ukraine’s defense budget and resources, as the cost of intercepting these drones rises significantly.