Russia deploys significantly larger drone in Ukrainian airspace - Flash
A new modification of the Russian Gerbera drone (Photo: Serhii Flash Про технології / Telegram)
A new modification of the Russian Gerbera drone with significantly larger dimensions was spotted in Ukraine, Serhii (Flash) Beskrestnov, Presidential advisor on defense technology development, reported on Aug. 7.
"A new version of the Gerbera has appeared in the sky. It is significantly larger than the standard one," Flash reported, publishing corresponding footage on his Telegram channel.
He stressed that the new version of the enemy UAV requires thorough examination, urging anyone who locates a downed drone of this model to contact him.
Beskrestnov noted that a man was deliberately included in one of the published photographs "so that the size could be quickly evaluated."
On July 1, Beskrestnov reported that Russian Gerbera-type drones equipped with an additional fuel tank had recently been observed flying over Ukrainian territory.
A distinct behavior pattern of these updated drones involves entering Ukrainian airspace, executing flight maneuvers, and later returning to Russian-controlled territory.
Flash suggested that these drones may operate directly in electronic intelligence mode, accumulating or transmitting gathered data back to Russia.
In autumn 2024, the Military Intelligence (HUR) reported that Russia was massively deploying Gerbera drones capable of carrying warheads and conducting electronic reconnaissance. These UAVs feature Chinese engines and other foreign components.
Russian forces assemble Gerbera drones at a plant in the city of Yelabuga, Republic of Tatarstan. The Gerbera UAV mimics Shahed-136 (Geran-2) drones and is used en masse by Russia to overwhelm Ukrainian air defense systems.
Gerbera drones are manufactured using plywood and styrofoam, making the aircraft dozens of times cheaper than a Shahed, HUR specialists clarified. However, the internal components consist of foreign-made parts imported from China through third-party companies. Russian manufacturers assemble Gerberas based on a Chinese prototype produced by Skywalker Technology Co., Ltd.
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