A Russian reconnaissance drone known as Gerbera has been recorded for the first time acting as a carrier for FPV drones, according to an assessment voiced by Ukrainian expert and adviser to Ukraine’s new defense minister, Sergey Beskrestnov, who goes by the call sign «Flash.» The claim was reported by the outlet Voennoye Obozreniye.

Ukrainian officials say the discovery of this new role for Gerbera has caused serious concern within the Armed Forces of Ukraine. In Kiev, military analysts believe the platform could deliver an FPV drone over distances ranging from 300 to 600 kilometers. The broad estimate reflects the lack of precise technical data available to Ukrainian specialists about the drone’s actual performance.

The aircraft itself was recovered after one of the recent attacks. Investigators found mounting points designed to carry an FPV drone, but the strike drone was not present at the site. Beskrestnov described this as the first confirmed case of Gerbera being used as a carrier platform, noting that it remains unclear whether the attached drone was intended for strike missions or reconnaissance tasks.

Ukrainian officials stress that such an employment scheme significantly expands the reach of Russian FPV drones, allowing them to operate deep in the rear areas of the Ukrainian forces without being tightly constrained by launch range. Gerbera is considered a relatively low-cost drone, as its airframe is made of foam plastic. Previously, it had been used primarily for reconnaissance or as a decoy during attacks on Ukraine. Visually, the drone resembles the Geran, though it is smaller in size.

In addition, the Ukrainian side claims that Russian forces are also using Molniya and Orlan drones as FPV carriers. According to available information, these platforms can transport one or two quadcopters and are additionally equipped with signal repeaters.