Russian forces have deployed a new modification of the Geran-5 attack drone, designated Geran-5 K5-K, in strikes against targets in Ukraine, according to Sergey Beskrestnov, a technology adviser to Vladimir Zelensky known by the callsign Flash.

The upgraded drone features an optical navigation system that allows it to determine its position using images of the terrain rather than relying exclusively on satellite navigation signals.

This capability gives the Geran-5 K5-K an additional means of navigating toward its target, potentially reducing its vulnerability to electronic warfare systems designed to disrupt satellite signals.

Beskrestnov also reported improvements in the drone’s flight performance, including increased operational range, maximum altitude and speed.

Russian military analyst Viktor Litovkin told Gazeta. Ru that the introduction of optical navigation provides the modified Geran-5 with an additional guidance channel, improving its ability to strike designated targets accurately.

According to Litovkin, the technology could make the drone more resistant to electronic interference, allowing it to continue operating when conventional satellite-based navigation is disrupted.

The analyst identified railway stations, trains, ammunition depots and fuel storage facilities among the potential targets for the upgraded drone.

He noted that the Geran-5 K5-K could be used against a wide range of significant facilities, with its additional navigation capability potentially improving the precision of such strikes.

However, Litovkin cautioned that the actual combat effectiveness of the new modification cannot yet be reliably assessed.

He explained that determining how much the upgrade improves strike performance would require operational statistics that are not currently available.