Focus Geran-2 Kamikaze Drone Russian Version of Iranian Shahed-136 Deployed in Ukraine.

The Geran-2, Russia's domestically produced variant of Iran's Shahed-136 loitering munition also called kamikae drone, has become a pivotal asset in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This article delves into the Geran-2's production processes, technical specifications, and operational deployment, highlighting its evolution from the Shahed-136. 
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A Russian Geran-2 kamikaze drone, painted black for reduced nighttime visibility, lies wrecked after crashing in Ukraine's Vinnytsia region. The drone is a domestically produced variant of Iran's Shahed-136, widely used in the conflict to target infrastructure and overwhelm air defenses. (Picture source: Ukrainian MoD)

In November 2022, Russia and Iran formalized an agreement to manufacture the Shahed-136 domestically, rebranded as the Geran-2 in Russian service. The production facility, located in the Alabuga Special Economic Zone in Tatarstan, aims to produce 6,000 units by summer 2025. This collaboration involves Iran supplying key components and technical expertise to facilitate production.

By July 2023, analyses of downed Geran-2 drones in Ukraine revealed significant modifications from the original Shahed-136 design. Notable changes include a fuselage constructed from fiberglass over woven carbon fiber, replacing the previous lightweight honeycomb structure. This modification is assumed to facilitate large-scale industrialization and streamline production. 

The Russian model stands apart with significant electronics upgrades. The Kometa-M model, a Russian system compatible with the GLONASS satellite navigation system, has replaced the imported satellite navigation unit. This advanced equipment, already used in other UAVs like the Forpost-R and Orlan-10, features antennas that are more resistant to interference. The flight controller has also been replaced with a Russian-made version.

Russian engineers are believed to have simplified the design of the original Shahed, improving the mass distribution of electronic components and enhancing flight stability. While some components are now produced domestically, others, including certain electronic parts, continue to be supplied from Western sources. Additionally, the warhead has been modified to include a more effective fragmentation charge, increasing its ability to damage infrastructure. 

The Geran-2 retains the delta-wing design characteristic of the Shahed-136 but incorporates additional enhancements. The drone's fuselage is made from fiberglass reinforced with carbon fiber, offering more excellent durability. Recent versions have been painted black to reduce visibility during nighttime operations. Despite remaining a relatively inexpensive cruise missile that is easy to target with air defenses, the Geran-2 excels at overwhelming and exhausting enemy air defense systems through numerous simultaneous launches. 

In terms of specifications, the Geran-2 measures 3.5 meters in length with a wingspan of 2.5 meters. It has a takeoff weight of 200 kilograms and can carry a 50-kilogram warhead. The drone operates at altitudes ranging from 60 to 4,000 meters, with a maximum flight range of 2,000 kilometers. Powered by an engine with 50 to 90 horsepower, the Geran-2 can reach a speed of up to 180 km/h and sustain flight for up to 12 hours. 

Since its deployment, the Geran-2 has been actively utilized in Ukraine, targeting both military and civilian infrastructure. Its ability to conduct long-range strikes has posed significant challenges to Ukrainian air defenses. Introducing variants with enhanced warheads, electronic countermeasures, and stealthier designs has further complicated interception efforts. 

While the Geran-2 originates from the Shahed-136 design, several distinctions have emerged. With technical refinements like the Kometa-M navigation system and improved mass distribution, Russia's domestic production sets it apart. Upgrades in warhead configuration and material construction highlight its evolution. Although it retains many design principles of its predecessor, the Geran-2 has been tailored for operational requirements in Ukraine, addressing challenges encountered in the theater. 

In summary, the Geran-2 represents a significant evolution from the Shahed-136, with Russia's domestic production and technical enhancements underscoring its strategic importance in the conflict in Ukraine. 

The Russian-Ukrainian war has become the first major conflict to feature drones and loitering munitions, including kamikaze drones and FPV (First-Person View) drones, used on such an unprecedented scale and intensity. These technologies have reshaped the battlefield, demonstrating their effectiveness in striking infrastructure, disrupting supply lines, and targeting military assets. The conflict has showcased the transformative role of unmanned aerial systems in modern warfare, setting a precedent for their use in future conflicts worldwide.