Geran-2 vs Heron

Overview

The Geran-2 and the Heron are both Military Drones, manufactured by IEMZ Kupol and IAI respectively.

Top speed is 185 km/h for the Geran-2 vs 207 km/h for the Heron. The Geran-2 has an operational range of 2,500 km vs 1,000 km for the Heron. At 1,270 kg MTOW, the Heron is 5.3x the Geran-2's 240 kg.

Unit cost is $0.03M for the Geran-2 vs $9.5M for the Heron.

Russian-produced version of the Iranian Shahed-136 one-way attack drone, built at the Alabuga (Yelabuga) plant and used at scale against Ukraine since 2022.
Origin country 🇷🇺 Russia
Category Military Drones
Manufacturer IEMZ Kupol
First flight --
Year introduced 2022
Number produced 26000 units
Average unit price $30K
Israeli MALE unmanned aerial vehicle, utilized globally since 1994 for reconnaissance, surveillance, and intelligence missions.
Origin country 🇮🇱 Israel
Category Military Drones
Manufacturer IAI
First flight 1 January 1994
Year introduced 2005
Number produced N/A
Average unit price $9.5 million
Wingspan 2.5 m
Length 3.5 m
Maximum speed 185 km/h
Operational range 2,500 km
Service ceiling -- m
Max. takeoff weight 240 kg
Wingspan 16.6 m
Length 8.5 m
Maximum speed 207 km/h
Operational range 1,000 km
Service ceiling 10,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 1,270 kg

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Geran-2 or Heron?
The Heron is faster with a maximum speed of 207 km/h compared to the Geran-2's 185 km/h, a difference of 22 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Geran-2 or Heron?
The Geran-2 has a longer range at 2,500 km compared to the Heron's 1,000 km.
Which can fly higher, the Geran-2 or Heron?
The Heron has a higher service ceiling at 10,000 meters (32,808 ft) compared to the Geran-2's 0 meters (0 ft).
Which is heavier, the Geran-2 or Heron?
The Heron has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 1,270 kg compared to the Geran-2's 240 kg.
Which is larger, the Geran-2 or Heron?
The Heron is longer at 8.5 meters compared to the Geran-2's 3.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the Geran-2 or Heron?
The Heron is more expensive at approximately $9.5 million per unit compared to the Geran-2 at $0.0 million.
Which entered service first, the Geran-2 or Heron?
The Heron entered service first in 2005, 17 years before the Geran-2 which entered service in 2022.