German firm responds after its components are found in Russian Geran-5 UAVs
Photo: debris of the downed Geran-5 drone (Defense Intelligence of Ukraine)
German company Infineon Technologies says it cannot explain how components it manufactured ended up in Russia’s new Geran-5 unmanned aerial vehicles. The company stresses that it complies with international sanctions, Deutsche Welle reports.
Ukraine has shot down new Russian Geran-5 drones, in which foreign components were found. The main suppliers are China, the United States, and Germany, including the German company Infineon Technologies.
Commenting on the discovery of its products in Russian drones, Infineon stated that it does not trade with Russia and adheres to sanctions. Immediately after the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Infineon liquidated its subsidiary in Russia.
"Infineon has required all distributors worldwide to implement robust measures to prevent the delivery of products or services on behalf of Infineon that would violate sanctions," the company said in response to a request from the outlet.
At the same time, Infineon claimed it cannot fully control the resale of its products, noting that the company manufactures around 30 billion chips per year. Nevertheless, Infineon insists it has already taken "comprehensive measures to ensure compliance with sanctions."
In particular, Infineon stated that when it receives "specific and credible information" that a partner company is trading with Russia, it halts supplies and demands explanations. The measures also include investigations into sanctions circumvention and cooperation with government authorities.
However, Infineon ignored questions about which countries components might be passing through before reaching Russia and with which national authorities it cooperates during sanctions evasion investigations.
In early 2026, during combined aerial attacks against Ukraine, Russian forces used the new Geran-5 strike drone for the first time.
According to Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence, the key characteristics of the Geran-5 are as follows:
-
maximum takeoff weight: 850 kg;
-
cruising speed: 450–600 km/h;
-
flight duration: about 2 hours;
-
estimated range: up to 950 km;
-
maximum altitude: 6 km.
In addition, Ukraine’s intelligence identified suppliers of electronic components used in the drones. These include companies from China, the United States, and Germany. A full list of components, their markings, and photographs is available via the link.
