Exclusive: Russia Develops New Drone Warfare Tactics with Unveiling of Truck-Mounted Geran-2 Loitering Munition Launcher.

During a rehearsal for the 2025 Victory Day Parade in Alabino, Moscow Region, the Russian Army showcased a new mobile launcher system for its Geran-2 loitering munitions. This marks the first public appearance of such a system, underscoring Russia's growing emphasis on integrating unmanned aerial systems into frontline operations. This launcher's deployment signals technological adaptation and a strategic shift in modern warfare tactics driven by lessons learned from ongoing conflicts, particularly the war in Ukraine.
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The newly unveiled Russian mobile Geran-2 loitering munition launcher, mounted on a KamAZ-6350 8x8 truck, spotted during the Victory Day 2025 parade rehearsal in Alabino. This marks the first public appearance of the front-line drone strike platform designed for rapid deployment and increased battlefield mobility. (Picture source: Russian Social Network VK)

The Geran-2 loitering munition, believed to be a Russian-produced version of the Iranian Shahed-136, is a delta-wing drone that has gained prominence for its role in recent combat zones. Though initially manufactured in Iran, Russia has reportedly begun domestic production under the Geran-2 designation, potentially with modifications tailored to Russian operational requirements. This UAV is characterized by its relatively low cost, simplicity, and long-range capabilities. It measures approximately 3.5 meters in length with a wingspan of 2.5 meters and can carry a warhead weighing between 50 to 90 kilograms. Its maximum speed hovers around 180 km/h, with an operational range of up to 2,000 kilometers, enabling it to loiter over a designated area before targeting enemy assets. Recent versions have also been observed carrying thermobaric warheads, increasing their lethality against fortified positions and infrastructure.

The newly unveiled launcher is based on the robust KamAZ-6350 8x8 military truck, a platform well-regarded for its mobility and versatility. This vehicle has been modified to support loitering munition operations by integrating an armored cabin that protects the crew against small arms fire and shrapnel, making it suitable for deployment closer to the front lines. At the rear of the truck, a single rail launcher is installed for launching Geran-2 drones, with another munition mounted directly on the back of the system, ready for rapid redeployment.

The integration of Geran-2 drones with such mobile platforms presents several tactical advantages on the modern battlefield. The ability to swiftly reposition the launcher system complicates enemy targeting efforts and enhances survivability. Furthermore, proximity to the frontline reduces the time required for a drone to reach its target, increasing operational efficiency. This mobility, coupled with the drone's long range and precision strike capability, allows Russian forces to conduct dynamic and persistent surveillance-strike missions with relatively low logistical demands.

This development also reflects a broader trend in modern warfare—particularly highlighted by the Russian-Ukrainian conflict—where drones have emerged as indispensable tools for both strategic and tactical operations. The war has witnessed an exponential increase in the use of UAVs by both sides, ranging from reconnaissance and artillery correction to direct strike missions. Loitering munitions like the Geran-2 have played a significant role in targeting enemy air defenses, command posts, and logistical infrastructure, reshaping how militaries approach battlefield dominance. The widespread use of drones in Ukraine has demonstrated the need for mobile, flexible, and cost-effective systems capable of delivering rapid precision strikes without risking manned aircraft, further validating Russia's investment in platforms like the Geran-2 launcher.

As Russia continues to adapt and refine its use of unmanned systems, the unveiling of this mobile launcher marks a significant step in its evolution of drone warfare, blending mobility with precision lethality in response to the shifting demands of contemporary conflict.