An upgraded version of Russia’s Gerbera-2 drone has received an additional camera intended to improve protection against other unmanned aircraft.

The Telegram channel Osvedomitel drew attention to footage posted on social media showing the Russian drone with a camera covering the rear hemisphere. According to the channel, the system may allow the aircraft to detect approaching interceptor drones and make evasive maneuvers in time.

The authors noted that the idea of fitting Gerbera drones with extra cameras to monitor the upper part of the surrounding airspace appears to have been carried over to the new Gerbera-2 configuration.

The upgrade goes beyond the surveillance system. The latest version of the Gerbera-2 has also received a more powerful engine, a 63-liter fuel tank, revised electronics and changes to the airframe materials.

Osvedomitel argues that the platform is gradually moving away from its original role as a cheap expendable drone and is beginning to take on the characteristics of a more complete combat system.

The original Gerbera was designed as a simple, low-cost platform for overloading air defenses. Its plywood body, limited electronics and low production cost made it suitable for use as a decoy target. New configurations, however, are gradually changing that original concept.