Russia possibly attempted to attack Kyiv with a new rocket-powered Geran-3 drone - Media
Illustrative photo: Russia may have used a rocket-powered drone in the attack on Kyiv (Russian media)
During one of the recent attacks on Kyiv, the Russian forces likely used a new rocket drone called Geran-3. It was shot down by air defense, Defense Express reports.
According to the outlet, the rocket drone was shot down, and its remains were partially burned. However, a small-sized rocket engine was found among the debris. This could explain the unusual whistle that Kyiv residents heard during the attack — a sound not typical of the usual Shahed-136.
Defense Express points out that due to the small number of surviving fragments, it is impossible to determine whether it was a rocket-powered Shahed-238, which Iran presented in November 2023, or another long-range drone with a rocket engine that externally resembles the Shahed.
Journalists noted that the found fragments have many similar parts to the Shahed-136 drones. Therefore, in their opinion, it was most likely either a newer Shahed-238 model or another drone assembled in Russia.
Defense Express reminded that the rocket-powered Shahed could have been used by the Russian forces as early as January 2024. At that time, avionics from a drone were found, but they differed from those in the current UAV.
Considering these differences, the portal’s analysts believe that this time, Russia used its own domestically produced drone Geran-3, which is an analogue of the Shahed-238.
Warning from the Defense Intelligence
In February of this year, the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense warned that Russia is upgrading the Shahed drones.
The Intelligence also noted that Russia is trying to establish production of Shahed drones with rocket engines, which provide flight speeds of up to 550–600 kilometers per hour.
At the same time, such drones can fly distances of up to 2,500 kilometers.
