Geran-2 vs Molniya

Overview

The Geran-2 and the Molniya are both Military Drones, manufactured by IEMZ Kupol and Atlant Aero respectively.

The Geran-2 reaches 185 km/h — 2.1x the Molniya's 90 km/h. The Geran-2 has an operational range of 2,500 km vs 50 km for the Molniya. At 240 kg MTOW, the Geran-2 is 24:1 the Molniya's 10 kg.

Unit cost is $0.03M for the Geran-2 vs $0.00065M for the Molniya.

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
Russian short- and medium-range strike loitering drone, introduced in 2024, deployed for striking logistics, rear positions, and equipment clusters beyond the line of contact.
Origin country 🇷🇺 Russia
Category Military Drones
Manufacturer Atlant Aero
First flight --
Year introduced 2024
Number produced N/A
Average unit price $1K
Wingspan 2.5 m
Length 3.5 m
Maximum speed 185 km/h
Operational range 2,500 km
Max. takeoff weight 240 kg
Wingspan 1.5 m
Length -- m
Maximum speed 90 km/h
Operational range 50 km
Max. takeoff weight 10 kg

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Geran-2 or Molniya?
The Geran-2 is faster with a maximum speed of 185 km/h compared to the Molniya's 90 km/h, a difference of 95 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Geran-2 or Molniya?
The Geran-2 has a longer range at 2,500 km compared to the Molniya's 50 km.
Which is heavier, the Geran-2 or Molniya?
The Geran-2 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 240 kg compared to the Molniya's 10 kg.
Which is larger, the Geran-2 or Molniya?
The Geran-2 is longer at 3.5 meters compared to the Molniya's 0.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the Geran-2 or Molniya?
The Geran-2 is more expensive at approximately $0.0 million per unit compared to the Molniya at $0.0 million.
Which entered service first, the Geran-2 or Molniya?
The Geran-2 entered service first in 2022, 2 years before the Molniya which entered service in 2024.