Russian Gerbera drones have undergone a major upgrade, giving them a flight range of up to 1,200 kilometers and the ability to carry a warhead weighing as much as 25 kilograms. The new capabilities were disclosed by the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine’s Defense Ministry (GUR), whose findings were reported by the Operation Z: Russian Spring War Correspondents channel.

The Gerbera was originally designed for a very different role. Built as an inexpensive decoy, the drone was intended to overwhelm Ukrainian air defenses with false targets, forcing them to devote resources to detection and interception. Over time, however, Russian developers significantly expanded its capabilities by introducing more sophisticated onboard equipment.

The latest improvements also extend to the drone’s electronics. According to GUR, upgraded Gerbera UAVs now feature Kometa systems, mesh modems and cameras mounted on stabilized gimbals. These enhancements bring their technical equipment increasingly close to that of the considerably more expensive Geran family of drones.