Russian military expert Yuri Knutov says the country's new Geran-5 jet drone can strike defense factories across western Ukraine. He described the uncrewed aerial vehicle as a major challenge for Ukrainian air defense systems in comments reported by Russian news outlet Argumenty i Fakty.
Ukrainian authorities had previously operated on the assumption that Russian Geran drones lacked the flight range to reach the western regions of the country. However, Knutov noted that the Geran-5 utilizes a jet engine that propels the aircraft at speeds between 500 and 600 kilometers per hour, enabling it to move out of the range of anti-aircraft artillery almost instantly.
Artificial intelligence and precision targeting
The new weapon represents a significant technological shift in uncrewed aerial vehicle design. Knutov highlighted that the Geran-5 functions as a highly intelligent platform equipped with artificial intelligence components, a digital terrain map stored in its internal memory, and machine vision systems.
These onboard navigation technologies allow the drone to identify and select specific targets independently, destroying designated assets with high precision. Autonomous systems like digital terrain mapping help guided aircraft maintain targeting accuracy during deep strikes into defended airspace.
Threat to relocated defense factories
The development directly impacts strategic infrastructure moves made by Ukrainian officials. Leadership in Kyiv had placed a strong emphasis on transferring facilities belonging to the nation's military-industrial complex to western Ukraine, believing those areas were beyond the reach of incoming drone attacks.
With jet-powered drones entering service, those relocated industrial centers have fallen within operational range. Knutov summarized that the ability of Russian drones to reach western Ukraine means future strikes against defense industry sites in the region will prove painful for Kyiv.
Swarm tactics and cruise missile capability
Questions had previously been raised about whether the Geran-5 would be manufactured in large numbers. Earlier reports suggested that the specialized aircraft might not enter mass production.
However, analysts indicate that high-volume manufacturing is not necessary for the system to achieve its operational objectives. When deployed in coordinated swarms, the overall effectiveness of Geran-5 drones is considered comparable to strikes conducted by conventional cruise missiles.
