# Russian UAV technical evolution and deployment > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/russian-uav-technical-evolution-and-deployment > Updated: 2026-10-18T11:30:53.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2. 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. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-18: Russia upgrades Gerbera-2 suicide drone with incendiary payload Russia has upgraded its Gerbera-2 suicide drone with a larger fuselage, a more powerful engine, and an incendiary payload designed to target infrastructure and warehouses in Ukraine. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/russia-upgrades-gerbera-2-suicide-drone-with-incendiary-payload ### 2026-09-27: Geran-4 drone uses Chinese engines and Western electronics An investigation into Russia's Geran-4 drone reveals it uses commercial Chinese turbojet engines, Texas Instruments chips, and various international dual-use technologies for its assembly. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/geran-4-drone-analysis-reveals-use-of-chinese-engines-and-western-electronics --- Cite as: Russian UAV technical evolution and deployment. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/russian-uav-technical-evolution-and-deployment