Russian 'Gerbera' fell in Lithuania during the attack on Ukraine

Russian drone 'Gerbera' crashed in Lithuania

According to glavcom.ua: The Russian drone 'Gerbera' crashed in Lithuania during the morning attack on Ukraine after flying there from Belarus. Lithuanian Defense Minister Arvydas Anušauskas confirmed this information.

'We can confirm that this is indeed 'Gerbera'. The use of such a drone can be various; we are investigating the purpose for which it was sent. At this time, we have no data to suggest that this object was intentionally sent to our territory,' said the minister.

An investigation regarding this drone is ongoing. However, preliminary conclusions by Major Gintautas Čynius of the Lithuanian Armed Forces suggest that this drone did not pose a threat since it was merely 'a piece of foam and wood with wires.'

'We can say that this is a safe object. It is made of foam and wood, and it resembles an airplane. The reasons for its use, as well as possible targets, are currently unknown to us, but we are considering all versions,' explained the major.

New tactics for drone attacks

Moreover, the Russian side has developed new tactics for drone attacks. Along with strike drones like 'Shahed' / 'Geran', Russians have launched a significant number of decoy drones, which they call 'Parody'. This is intended to increase the burden on Ukrainian air defenses.

The use of 'Parody' began in spring 2024 when the Russians started actively using 'Shaheds'. To increase the number of drones in the air, they decided to switch to making decoys.

The crash of the Russian drone 'Gerbera' in Lithuania has raised concerns in both the Ukrainian and Lithuanian governments. An investigation is currently ongoing, but it has already been established that the drone was merely a simulation that posed no threat to safety. The Russian side is also reaching a new level of drone usage in combat, launching decoys to distract the attention of the enemy.