Russia Upgrades Shahed Strike Drones Used Against Ukraine

Enhancements to the 'Geran-2' Drone

According to Главком: Russia is upgrading Shahed-type attack drones, particularly the widely used 'Geran-2'-a copy of Iran's Shahed-136. Ukrainian Armed Forces expert Oleksandr Zaruba revealed this in an interview with Glavkom. He noted that on the night of June 7, 2026, a Russian drone struck a storage facility for spent nuclear fuel. These drones have become a key tool in Russia's campaign against Ukrainian infrastructure.

The 'Geran-2' was first deployed by Russian forces in September 2022 and saw mass use by the end of that year. By July 2023, Russia had started serial production of this unmanned aerial vehicle. Modernization efforts focus on reducing costs and improving resistance to electronic warfare (EW). Upgrades include equipping the drone with:

• R-60 air-to-air missiles,
• portable 'Verba' surface-to-air missile systems,
• and decoys mimicking air-to-air missiles.

Third Generation of 'Gerani' Drones

In 2024, Russia began mass-producing the third generation of 'Gerani' drones, based on Iran's jet-powered Shahed-238. This new variant features a turbojet engine, enabling speeds of up to 550 km/h. While retaining the same size and design, these enhanced capabilities make the drones more effective in their missions.

Shahed drones are used to target energy, transportation, and civilian infrastructure, underscoring their strategic role in military operations. Their continued evolution highlights the growing importance of unmanned systems in modern warfare.

The upgrades to 'Geran-2' drones and their new variants demonstrate the increasing role of UAVs in contemporary conflicts. Technological advancements and expanded capabilities emphasize their strategic value for Russia, especially in strikes on critical infrastructure. This could shift the dynamics of combat and heighten the need for advanced air defense systems in Ukraine and neighboring countries.

As the conflict evolves, the introduction of advanced UAVs like the new Geran-4 drone powered by Chinese engines highlights the ongoing technological arms race. Understanding these developments is crucial for grasping the broader implications of aerial warfare strategies employed by Russia.