Russia uses Geran-4 armed with air-to-air missile: What is known about new jet-powered UAV
Photo: the destroyed Geran-4 drone (Unmanned Systems Forces)
Ukrainian air defense recently shot down a new Russian drone, the Geran-4 (essentially another copy of the Iranian Shahed-type missile drone). The UAV was equipped with a Soviet R-60 air-to-air missile, according to a post by the 413th Raid Battalion of the Unmanned Systems Forces.
It is reported that on January 13, Ukrainian air defense shot down a new Russian drone, the Geran-4. It was equipped with a launch system and a Soviet R-60 air-to-air missile.
Previously, the Russian forces had used Geran-3 drones (a copy of the Iranian Shahed missile drone) and Geran-5 (an attempt to create a drone missile). The new drone, Geran-4, is an evolution of Geran-3, but features significant improvements compared to the previous model:
-
Higher cruising speed – up to 500 km/h, compared to 330–350 km/h in the Geran-3, which made the earlier version easy to intercept with anti-drone systems;
-
Twice as powerful engine and optimized aerodynamics;
-
Increased flight range – up to 850 km versus 600 km;
-
Takeoff weight – 450 kg, warhead – 50 kg, theoretically capable of being carried on a Su-25 attack aircraft, with the plane serving as a carrier.
According to the report, current trends indicate that Russia is using jet drones very selectively, so this winter, they are unlikely to achieve significant effect or results. However, next winter, they could be used on a larger scale.
"However, by the winter of 2026/27, the enemy may deploy jet UAVs widely as a cheap alternative to cruise missiles. But Ukraine has its own systems, such as Palyinytsia or Bars. Therefore, our country can impose its initiative on the enemy here," the report notes.
It was recently revealed that Iran has sold Russia missiles and drones worth several billion dollars over the past few years to support Russian President Vladimir Putin in his war against Ukraine. Among the drones sold were jet-powered models.
The Russian forces have already begun using these drones. On Wednesday, January 14, between 07:00 AM and 05:00 PM, Russian forces intensified air attacks toward Kyiv using jet drones: 10 units were shot down – all that they launched.
Additionally, at the beginning of 2026, during combined air attacks on Ukraine, Russian occupying forces used the new strike drone Geran-5 for the first time.
