Russia has started equipping its new kamikaze drone Geran-5 with Chinese radio modems XK-F358, designed for video transmission, remote control, and data communication.
The information was released following a detailed analysis by Ukrainian Defense Intelligence, which had already identified similar devices on Geran-2 and Gerbera drones.
Manufactured by the Chinese company Xingkai Tech, the XK-F358 is a specialized modem for unmanned platforms and distributed communication networks. The equipment combines multichannel command and telemetry communication with the ability to transmit large volumes of data, such as real-time video, flight information, and digital maps.
Estimated at $8,000, the modem uses COFDM modulation in a mesh topology, enabling the creation of dynamic networks where each drone acts as a repeater. According to the manufacturer, the device supports multiband operation, high transmission power, and stable communication over hundreds of kilometers, as well as integrated features such as secure voice, data, and video.
Identified by Ukraine in January 2026, the Geran-5 is about 6 meters long, has a wingspan of 5.5 meters, and is powered by a Chinese Telefly jet engine. The drone carries a 90 kg warhead, has an estimated range of up to 1,000 km, and can be launched from aircraft such as the Su-25, significantly extending the operational reach of Russian forces.
Source: Militarnyi | Photo: X @wartranslated | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
Photo reportedly shows Geran-5 wreckage. The drone has a new aerodynamic design but shares components with earlier models, including Kometa GPS, Raspberry tracker, and Telefly engine, and resembles Iran’s Karrar. https://t.co/gdi6ZR87jr pic.twitter.com/2l1RclFIZN
— WarTranslated (@wartranslated) January 11, 2026
