Russian Geran Drones Change Tactics, Flying Low to Avoid Radar Detection
Ukrainian Air Force officials say Russian Geran drones now fly at very low altitudes and use new guidance methods, making them harder for radar systems to detect.
Ukraine’s Air Force says Russian drones have become harder to detect on radar, according to Deputy Commander Pavel Elizarov.
He explained that after Ukrainian forces began deploying interceptor drones, Russian Geran UAVs changed their tactics. Instead of flying at higher altitudes, they now descend to extremely low levels — around 15–20 meters — and follow roads during their approach. The drones then appear suddenly near Kiev, leaving Ukrainian air defenses with almost no time to react.
Earlier, Yuri Kassyanov, commander of a drone unit in the 10th mobile detachment of Ukraine’s border service, reported another shift in Russian tactics. He said the military had begun using signal repeaters to control Geran drones. According to him, this change came after Starlink terminals used by Ukrainian forces were blocked.
Ukrainian sources have also pointed to improvements in the drones’ technical capabilities. The Telegram channel Novosti. Live, citing Egor Firsov, deputy commander of the 21st separate unmanned systems unit of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, reported that newer FPV variants of the Geran drones can navigate not only by pre-programmed coordinates but also with the help of visual guidance along the route.