Russian Geran-4 and Geran-5 drones deployed in Ukraine with AI-guided systems
Russia has deployed new AI-equipped Geran-4 and Geran-5 drones in large numbers against Ukrainian targets, reportedly with higher speed, range, and payload capacity than previous models. Ukrainian air defenses report significantly lower interception rates against these systems, raising military concerns about their expanded use in the ongoing conflict.
What happened
Russia has mass-deployed new Geran-4 and Geran-5 drones equipped with jet engines, thermal cameras, AI-guided targeting systems, and jamming-resistant antennae in attacks on Ukraine. The Geran-5 reaches speeds of 600 km/h, carries a 90-kilogram warhead, and has a range of 1,000 kilometers.
Russia fired a record 2,800 drones of all types in August 2026. The new drones are used to attack warehouses, logistics centers, and ports on the Black Sea. Russia rapidly introduces improvements through centralized production and battlefield experience without lengthy laboratory testing.
Reported impact
Ukrainian air forces report that interception rates for jet-powered drones have fallen to approximately 60 percent, compared to 90–95 percent for older models. Countering the new drones requires intensive use of Ukrainian combat aviation and advanced air defense missiles are in short supply.
Attacks create material losses and psychological pressure on Ukrainian society and military. Military analyst Konrad Muzyka states that the speed and flight altitude of the new drones blur the distinction between drones and cruise missiles.
Index analysis
The new drones are costlier than previous Geran models but significantly cheaper than Kalibr or Ch-101 cruise missiles, enabling mass deployment. If production rates and access to foreign engine technology continue, Russia may become one of the world's largest producers of inexpensive cruise-missile equivalents.
Experts predict stealth-equipped drones may soon appear on the battlefield, further increasing production and acquisition costs while making detection and destruction more difficult.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.