Russia modifies Geran-4 drones to strike bridges and power lines with greater precision
Photo: Ukraine’s military intelligence reveals how Russia upgraded the Geran-4 drone (Getty Images)
Russian forces have begun using upgraded Geran-4 drones this fall, featuring new navigation technology and a warhead designed to target bridges and overhead power lines, according to Ukraine's Defense Intelligence (HUR).
Ukraine’s Defense Ministry’s Main Intelligence Directorate has published details on the new version of Russia’s Geran-4 jet-powered drones on the War&Sanctions portal. According to Ukrainian intelligence, Russian forces began using the upgraded version this fall.
What has changed in the navigation system
The upgraded Geran-4 features a new MOX module. Its core component is the PNI5GA high-precision magnetic-inductive sensor, or magnetometer, made by US company PNI Sensor.
The module works together with the SADRA inertial navigation unit. It reduces drift in the unit’s gyroscopes and improves the drone’s autonomous navigation accuracy.
In addition to satellite and inertial navigation, Russian forces have added another autonomous system called Susanin. It is an electro-optical correlation system that compares images from an optical sensor with a reference image stored in the computer’s memory.
This allows the drone to stay on course from its launch point to its designated target. The same system is also used on newer Geran-5 drones, K5 version.
New warhead and engine
To more effectively strike bridge structures and the supports of overhead power lines, Russian forces have begun using a new KRSN warhead. It is a shaped-charge cutting payload that severs the target with a focused jet.
The Chinese Telefly turbojet engine has been replaced with a Russian-made localized counterpart produced in Alabuga.
The remaining electronic modules and components have remained unchanged from previous Geran drones.
Earlier, we reported that Russia likely began this year’s campaign of strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure earlier than usual.
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) believes Moscow wants to strike an already damaged energy system before Ukraine strengthens its defenses against new ballistic missiles and jet-powered drones.
We also reported that Ukraine has developed a new small missile called Nika to shoot down jet-powered drones.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the system is being prepared for testing, while the Ukrainian-German Spys interceptor has already successfully completed a test.
