russia has reportedly halted production of Geran-3 jet-powered strike drone and is instead scaling up production of the faster Geran-4 system. The reported shift comes as russia continues to develop and diversify its long-range one-way attack drone fleet.
According to the report, Geran-3 system had a reported top speed of around 300 km/h and a range of up to 1,000 km. Geran-4 drone is described as significantly faster, with a claimed speed of up to 500 km/h, although its reported range is shorter, at around 550 km.
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The report also claims that Geran-4 drone carries a larger warhead. Its payload is estimated at between 50 and 90 kg, compared with approximately 40-50 kg for Geran-3 system. If accurate, the combination of higher speed and a heavier warhead could make the newer system a more challenging target for Ukrainian air defenses.
The reported cost of Geran-4 drone is estimated at approximately $170,000-$200,000 per drone. This would make it considerably more expensive than conventional Shahed-type one-way attack drones, but potentially reflect the greater complexity and performance of a jet-powered system.
Another feature is the use of manual control and an onboard camera. Such a configuration could allow operators to adjust the drone's flight path during the final stages of an attack and potentially select or refine targets based on real-time visual information.
The reported transition from the Geran-3 to the Geran-4 suggests that russia may be prioritizing speed and terminal maneuverability over maximum range for at least part of its strike-drone development. Faster aerial targets can reduce the reaction time available to air defense crews and may complicate interception by some systems.
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