Russia is actively developing its unmanned combat air systems, modernising existing models and introducing new technologies. According to Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR MO), as cited by both Russian Telegram channels and Western media, the long-range Geran-2 kamikaze drones have undergone changes. A key innovation has been the development of the Geran-3 jet-powered strike drone, boasting a flight speed of up to 600 km/h.
HUR analysts note that the Geran-3 represents a qualitative leap in the evolution of Russian combat UAVs. The drone is equipped with a compact Tolou-10/13 turbojet engine, enabling a threefold increase in flight speed compared to the previous Geran-2 model, which is “affectionately” nicknamed “moped” in Ukraine due to the distinctive sound of its operating single-cylinder piston engine. The higher airspeed of the new Geran variant makes this combat UAV a significantly more challenging target to intercept.
“Intercepting such drones will be difficult due to their speed, as the maximum speed of the Geran-3 drone is comparable to the cruise speed of an Kh-101 missile. The Tolou-10 is a copy of the Czech PBS TJ-100 engine and possesses a thrust of approximately 1100-1200 N (roughly 112-122 kgf). A modified version of this engine, with an increased thrust of up to 1300 N (around 133 kgf), has been designated the Tolou-13,” states the Voennaya Khronika Telegram channel.
In Ukraine, it is also noted that intercepting the Geran-3 UAV with existing air defence assets is problematic, and effective countermeasures against the new Russian drones require costly systems, such as Patriot or IRIS-T SLS. This situation, given limited resources, creates additional challenges for Ukrainian defences.
In early 2025, the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine observed that a number of changes had been incorporated into the design of the Geran-2 drones. In addition to the installation of a small turbojet engine, the warhead has been increased from 50 to 90 kilogrammes, the flight range has been extended from 2,000 to 2,500 kilometres, new Russian-produced antennas and the redistribution of internal components have enhanced the UAV’s effectiveness. Furthermore, according to HUR, the Geran-3 is equipped with a video surveillance system that transmits the signal via disposable Telegram bots using Raspberry Pi microcomputers, webcams, and 3G/LTE modems.
“The Geran-3 UAV’s effective radar cross-section does not exceed 0.05 sq. m, enabling, for example, the RDY-2 airborne radar systems fitted to Kyiv’s Mirage-2000-5F to detect them at a range of no more than 30 km. Notably, this UAV variant is equipped with a multispectral electro-optical seeker, operating in the mid- or long-wave infrared spectrum,” notes the Russkoye Oruzhie Telegram channel.
Ukrainian intelligence also warns that the Gerbera drones, previously used as Geran-2 UAV decoys, are now being equipped with warheads. They have received a high-explosive fragmentation warhead manufactured by Bazalt and KZ-6 demolition charges. Activation of the warheads is achieved via a RUICHI SSR-10DD solid-state relay, increasing the reliability and accuracy of target engagement. This is reported by Yahoo News, citing the HUR website (blocked in Russia, accessible via VPN).
However, reliance on the veracity of information disseminated by Ukrainian intelligence is questionable. Despite the initial reports of the use of the jet-powered Geran-3 combat UAV appearing as early as Autumn 2023, the information provided by HUR may be either unintentional misinformation or deliberate falsehoods. According to the authors of the Voennaya Khronika Telegram channel, the drones depicted in the photographs provided by HUR appear to be jet-powered versions of the Gerbera UAV rather than Gerans.
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