The officers disclosed technical characteristics and internal components of the new Russian UAV.
Ukrainian intelligence clarified that Geran-5 has a maximum takeoff weight of 850 kilograms and a cruising speed of 450–600 kilometers per hour, which significantly exceeds the performance of the earlier Geran-3 model.
“The flight duration is about two hours, the estimated range is up to 950 kilometers, and the maximum altitude is six kilometers, although actual recorded use ranges from 200 meters to three kilometers,” intelligence officials said.
They added that the fuselage skin, wings, and tail assembly are made of carbon fiber, while the internal frame is built from aluminum profiles and steel. For marking, Russian forces use the same experimental “E” series previously applied to Geran-2 modifications equipped with R-60 missiles and MANPADS.
HUR also reported that the powerplant is a Chinese TELEFLY TF-TJ2000A turbojet engine.
The drone contains components similar to other Geran UAVs, including an FCU flight controller, SADRA/MINSOO inertial navigation system, Kometa-M12 satellite navigation system with a 12-element CRP antenna, Tracker V3 telemetry transmission system based on a Raspberry microcomputer and 3G/LTE modems, as well as the Xingkai Tech XK-F358 MESH modem.
HUR added the Geran-5 resembles Iran’s Karrar drone, and Russia is exploring the possibility of launching it from a Su-25 attack aircraft.
On Jan. 11, HUR reported that Russian occupation forces used the Geran-5 for the first time during combined air attacks against Ukraine in Jan. 2026.
Intelligence officials said the warhead of the Geran-5 weighs about 90 kilograms, while the declared strike range is approximately 1,000 kilometers.
“As with previous Geran models, this UAV can hardly be considered an original Russian development," HUR said.
"Significant structural and technological similarities with the Iranian Karrar drone have been recorded.”
On Jan. 13, electronic warfare and communications expert Serhii “Flash” Beskrestnov, head of the Center for Radiotechnologies, said Geran-5 is another Russian attempt to create a low-cost cruise missile. According to him, a speed of 500–600 kilometers per hour makes it unreachable for helicopters, existing anti-drone UAVs, and mobile fire groups.