Geran-5
Russian jet-powered one-way attack drone of cruise-missile configuration, first used against Ukraine in January 2026 and reportedly air-launchable from a Su-25. Key figures: top speed 600 km/h, range 1,000 km, max takeoff weight 850 kg.
| Length | 6 m (19.7 ft) |
| Wingspan | 5.5 m (18.0 ft) |
| Max. takeoff weight | 850 kg (1,874 lbs) |
| Powerplant | 1 × turbojet Telefly |
| Maximum speed | 600 km/h (373 mph) |
| Operational range | 1,000 km (621 mi) |
- Guided Bomb Warhead (~90 kg)
Description
The Geran-5 is a Russian jet-powered one-way attack drone, the newest member of the Geran family derived from the Iranian Shahed series and assembled in Russia. It was first used operationally against Ukraine on 11 January 2026 and was displayed publicly during the 2026 Victory Day commemorations. It is distinguished within the Geran line by its cruise-missile-like configuration and by a reported capability for air launch from a Su-25.
Development
The type continues the Geran programme of Russian-assembled derivatives of Iranian Shahed-series loitering munitions, following the piston-engined Geran-2 and the jet-powered Geran-3. It uses the same Chinese-made Telefly turbojet family as the Geran-3, but at a higher thrust rating. The first recorded operational use was on 11 January 2026 against targets in Ukraine, with a public display during the 2026 Victory Day commemorations. Ukrainian defence intelligence reported the type in serial production by mid-2026, alongside the Geran-4, as part of a stated Russian intention to raise jet-powered types to half of the long-range strike fleet.
Design
The airframe is approximately 6 m long with a wingspan of up to 5.5 m. Observers have described the profile as resembling a cruise missile rather than the delta planform of the Geran-2. Launch weight is reported at around 850 kg, with a speed of up to 600 km/h and a strike range of about 1,000 km. Guidance combines satellite navigation with a 3G/4G modem datalink; recovered wreckage contained commercial electronics, including a Raspberry Pi board. Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR) reported that the drone can also be air-launched from a Su-25 in flight, an unusual arrangement for the class.
Armament
As a one-way attack drone, the Geran-5 carries a single integral warhead of approximately 90 kg. There are no hardpoints or reusable payload provisions; the airframe is expended on impact.
Operational History
The Geran-5 entered use against Ukraine on 11 January 2026. Wreckage of an example downed by Ukrainian air defences was documented shortly after the type's first use, showing that it is interceptable despite the higher speed conferred by jet propulsion. Russia is the sole operator.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of aircraft is the Geran-5?
What is the maximum speed of the Geran-5?
What is the range of the Geran-5?
- AUG 282026 Updated Reference source updated
- AUG 182026 Updated Serial-production status added and summary rewritten around the cruise-missile layout
- AUG 152026 Created Geran-5 UAV page created (specs, description, 1 operators)