Geran-4 Jet Drone Challenges Ukraine Air Defense
Ukrainian sources say Russia is using the new Geran-4 jet drone, which can exceed 500 km/h and evade interceptors amid missile shortages.
Ukrainian sources, citing the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine’s Defence Ministry, reported that Russian forces began using new Geran-4 jet-powered kamikaze drones against targets in Ukraine this month.
The drone is described as a major upgrade of previous models. According to these reports, Russian engineers reinforced the UAV’s structure, replaced several components and made the body more durable. The Geran-4 was reportedly based on the Geran-3, but the earlier design could not withstand the stress of higher speeds.
As a result, Russia developed a new airframe with improved aerodynamics and a strengthened frame, while also fitting the drone with a higher-thrust jet engine. Its dimensions remain roughly the same: about 3.5 meters in length and up to 3 meters in wingspan. Other changes reportedly include fewer technical access hatches and the removal of detachable wings.
Ukrainian sources say the Geran-4 can maneuver at speeds of up to 400 km/h, exceed 500 km/h in straight flight and climb above 5,000 meters. The drone is said to carry either a high-explosive fragmentation warhead of around 50 kg or a reinforced version weighing up to 90 kg. Its operating range is estimated at about 450 kilometers.
Ukraine’s intelligence service believes the new Russian UAV uses a Chinese Telefly TF-TJ2000A jet engine, which helps it evade Ukrainian interceptor drones. Kiev acknowledges that Ukrainian air defence currently has limited ability to shoot down such drones because of a shortage of Western missiles.