Russia produces about 3,000 Geran-4/5 drones per month — Main Intelligence Directorate
Russian industry produces about 3,000 "Geran-4/5" attack drones every month.
The use of these drones is becoming increasingly widespread.
According to Ukrainian intelligence, this is facilitated by improvements in their flight performance, particularly their ability to penetrate Ukraine’s air defense system.
Mass production of the drones is underway at a plant in Yelabuga, located within the “Alabuga” Special Economic Zone in Tatarstan.
Other Russian companies are also involved in the production process, supplying components and handling specific stages of production.
Despite already significant production volumes, the Russian Ministry of Defense plans to expand Alabuga’s production capacity.
In early July 2026, satellite imagery captured large-scale construction work within the special economic zone. Construction of new production buildings began as early as May. Their exact purpose is currently unknown, but the construction may indicate preparations for a further increase in production.
Back in June, the then-Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Oleksandr Syrskyi, stated that Russia plans to significantly increase the use of jet-powered strike drones during attacks on Ukraine.
According to his assessment, the share of jet-powered drones in Russian air attacks could rise to 50%.
New data from the Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR), provided to “Military,” indicates an increase in production of jet-powered drones from the “Geran” family.
The “Geran-4” builds on the concept of the “Geran-3” jet-powered drone but features a design optimized for higher speeds and a more powerful engine.
Key specifications cited by “Military”:
- wingspan — approximately 3 meters;
- length — about 3.5 meters;
- maximum takeoff weight — up to 450 kg;
- cruising speed — 350–500 km/h;
- range — up to 850 km;
- Flight altitude — 100 to 5,000 meters;
- flight duration — approximately 2.5 hours;
- payload — 50 kg or more.
The UAV is equipped with a turbojet engine with a thrust of about 160 kgf, which has increased its speed and range compared to the previous version.
The “Geran-5” has a fundamentally different design. In terms of fuselage shape, it more closely resembles a winged missile than the classic Shahed with its delta wing.
Due to its design features, this vehicle can be classified as a “drone missile.”
According to the data provided, the “Geran-5” has:
- a warhead weighing approximately 90 kg;
- a claimed range of up to 1,000 km;
- the capability to carry R-73 air-to-air missiles with infrared homing heads.
The Main Intelligence Directorate also noted that the “Geran-5” can be launched from airborne platforms, specifically from Su-25 attack aircraft.
Thus, Russia is not only increasing the number of strike drones but also expanding their range and production capabilities, focusing on faster and more powerful jet-powered aircraft.
The Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense reported this to “Military” in response to an inquiry.
Russian propaganda outlets have published a video of the new “Geran-4 Seeker” drone, which they describe as a heavily modernized version of the “Shahed” drone. According to Russian statements, the drone has greater speed, a new guidance system, and the ability to locate targets more accurately.
At the same time, the final specifications of the “Geran-4 Seeker” and the actual capabilities of this drone have not yet been independently confirmed. The Ukrainian military continues to monitor the emergence of new Russian developments and adapt its defense systems. This was reported by Russian propaganda media outlets.
Russia has unveiled a new line of “Saturn” drones, which it plans to use for reconnaissance missions and cargo delivery.
