According to Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR), Russian forces began actively deploying upgraded Geran-5 K5-K jet-powered kamikaze drones this autumn.

Ukrainian military intelligence reports that the new version differs significantly from the original model, with performance characteristics approaching those of a small cruise missile. The upgraded drone’s higher speed allows it to pass through Ukrainian air defense zones more quickly and makes it harder for Ukrainian interceptor drones to engage.

The Geran-5 K5-K reportedly has an operational range of up to 1,000 kilometers and can carry a warhead weighing up to 90 kilograms. Depending on the mission, it can be equipped with either a high-explosive fragmentation or thermobaric warhead.

The redesigned UAV is also more compact. Its fuselage length has been reduced from 6.5 to 4 meters, while its wingspan has decreased from 3.2 to 3 meters. The maximum flight altitude has increased from 5 to 6 kilometers.

The drone has a cruising speed of 450 kilometers per hour but can reportedly accelerate to 1,000 kilometers per hour during certain phases of flight.

Ukrainian experts believe Russia has established a substantial lead over Ukraine in developing long-range attack drones. They point out that Ukrainian specialists are often forced to develop countermeasures only after new Russian UAV variants have already entered service, leaving them constantly responding to further technological upgrades.