The Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine reported that it has identified a new type of kamikaze drone employed by Russia during a recent attack against Ukrainian territory.
The information was published on the official website of Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence.
According to the agency, the new unmanned aerial system, designated Geranium-5, shows significant differences compared to the Geranium-2 and Geranium-3 models. Its aerodynamic design more closely resembles that of a cruise missile than previously used drones, measuring approximately six meters in length with a wingspan of about 5.5 meters.
For navigation to the target, the Geranium-5 uses a 12-channel Kometa satellite positioning system, in addition to a tracker based on a Raspberry microcomputer and 3G and 4G communication modems. According to Ukrainian intelligence, the drone is powered by a Chinese-made Telefly jet engine, similar to that used on the Geran-3, but with greater thrust.
The combat payload consists of a warhead weighing approximately 90 kg, with an estimated range of up to 1,000 kilometers. The Main Intelligence Directorate also assesses that the Geranium-5 may be launched from aerial platforms, such as Su-25 attack aircraft.
In addition to the main warhead, the drone may be equipped with R-73 air-to-air missiles featuring infrared guidance. This configuration would allow the system to be used against aerial targets, expanding its battlefield roles. The combined use of a jet engine and air-to-air missiles, according to the Ukrainian assessment, could make interception by helicopters or aircraft more difficult.
Despite this, the agency notes that questions remain regarding the practical implementation of this concept and the technical feasibility of effectively employing the R-73 missile on a drone of this type.
Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence adds that the Geranium-5 is very likely not a fully indigenous development of the Russian military-industrial complex. Technical analysis of the design indicates significant similarities with the Iranian Karrar drone, suggesting possible influence or technology transfer.
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Source and images: Ministry of Defense of Ukraine gur.gov.ua. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
