What is Geran-2?
New satellite imagery is shedding light on Russia’s expanding Geran-2 drone production at the Alabuga Special Economic Zone in Tatarstan.
- Geran-2 is a long-range one-way attack drone, often referred to as a kamikaze drone.
- It is essentially a domestically manufactured Russian version of the Iranian-designed Shahed-136.
- The Geran is mainly used for long-range strike, both as a primary system and as a low-cost complement to the much more sophisticated cruise and ballistic missiles.
- The Geran-2 drones are launched in swarms to maximize the probability of success against strategic infrastructures.
- While the Geran-2 retains the core aerodynamic layout of the Shahed-136—featuring a delta wing, composite honeycomb structure, and a rear-mounted piston engine—it incorporates substantial upgrades.
- Powered by a 50–90 HP piston engine, the drone can reach speeds up to 180 km/h with a flight endurance of up to 12 hours.
- Warhead weight: 50 kilograms original, can be increased up to 90 kg with reduced fuel load.
- Operational range: 2,500 km
- Launch: Rocket-assisted take-off, or from moving vehicle
- The Geran-2 features advanced navigation systems resistant to jamming and spoofing, including multi-antenna Controlled Reception Pattern Antennas (CRPA), 3G/LTE modems for real-time data links, and improved inertial navigation units.
