Russian UAV technical evolution and deployment

Reports indicate the continuous evolution and technical refinement of Russian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) used in the conflict with Ukraine.

Investigations into the Geran-4 drone revealed a heavy reliance on international commercial technology. While assembled in Russia, the drone utilizes a Chinese Telefly TJ-2000-class turbojet engine, Texas Instruments components on its flight computer, and various Chinese-made cameras and communication modules. The use of jet propulsion allows the Geran-4 to reach higher altitudes and speeds than propeller-driven models, though Ukrainian interception rates for these jet-powered versions are reported at 55 percent, compared to over 90 percent for propeller variants.

Parallel developments show upgrades to the Gerbera suicide drone line. The new Gerbera-2 variant features a larger fuselage, modified wings, and an expanded vertical stabilizer. It is equipped with a more powerful 275cm3 piston engine and a significantly larger fuel tank of up to 63 liters. Notably, the Gerbera-2 has been upgraded with an incendiary payload contained in a soft plastic container behind the main warhead, specifically designed to target warehouses and critical infrastructure.