Ukrainian air defense has for the second consecutive day been destroying jet-powered strike drone-missiles known as ‘Geran-5’ over Kyiv, which the Russians are launching from a distance of approximately 400 km. According to the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense, Russia first employed this strike drone in early 2026 during a combined air attack. The aircraft is approximately 6.5 m long, has a wingspan of up to 3.2 m, carries a warhead weighing roughly 90 kg, and has a stated strike range of up to 1,000 km.

Unlike the ‘moped-like’ Shahed-136 / ‘Geran-2’, the ‘Geran-5’ features a conventional aerodynamic configuration, although most assemblies and components remain unified with other models in the series. The key difference is the powerplant: a Telefly jet engine provides a flight speed of up to 450–600 km/h, whereas piston-engine drones of previous generations are considerably slower. The GUR notes that structurally and technologically the aircraft resembles the Iranian Karrar drone, and according to Defense Express analysts, Russia uses Chinese components as well as Western-made parts — including those from the US and Germany — to manufacture the ‘Geran-5’.

Intelligence also warns of a possible expansion of the drone’s combat use: Russians are working on options for launching it from airborne carriers, including Su-25 ground-attack aircraft, and are also considering equipping the aircraft with R-73 air-to-air missiles to counter Ukrainian aviation.

According to GUR data, confirmed ‘Geran-5’ flights have been recorded at altitudes of approximately 200 m to 3 km (the stated maximum is 6 km), and due to its high speed this target is more challenging for Ukrainian air defense than the slower Shaheds.

There is no definitive solution against the jet-powered ‘Gerans’ yet, say military personnel and industry specialists, but several approaches are being developed. Aviation expert Anatoliy Khrapchynskyi believes Ukraine needs cheap interceptor missiles to counter high-speed drones. In his assessment, the cost of such a weapon should not exceed $15,000.

Aviation expert Kostiantyn Kryvolap noted that AIM-9 missiles from F-16s could be used to intercept such targets, and in certain situations fighter aircraft cannons could also be employed. In his view, Ukraine will be able to cope with the growing number of high-speed drones.

Ukrainian EW specialists are also exploring enhanced countermeasures against new Russian UAVs. Key areas include suppression of satellite navigation and countering mesh networks and other communication channels between drones.

Sources used in preparing this article: