Main image: Russian jet-powered Shahed-238 (Geran-3) drone, captured on the camera of the Ukrainian Sting interceptor drone. (Source: Wild Hornets)
The Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine published an interactive 3D model, component breakdown, and foreign-made parts list of the new Russian jet-powered strike UAV Geran-4 on the War&Sanctions portal. Russia has begun using this drone as a countermeasure against the effectiveness of Ukrainian interceptor UAVs.
According to the Defence Intelligence press service, as part of preparations for serial production of Geran-4 (expected by January 2026), the first test launches were carried out from the Primorsk drone base (Oryol region) and the territory of the former Donetsk airport. In May 2026, the Russian forces began combat use of these drones to strike Ukrainian territory.
It is noted that for earlier versions of jet UAVs (Geran-3), the Russian side used the airframe of the gasoline-powered Geran-2, but this design proved insufficiently strong for high-speed flight and especially for maneuvering under high load.
According to intelligence data, the jet UAV Geran-4 has a new purpose-built airframe with improved aerodynamics and reinforced structure, as well as a higher-thrust turbojet engine. The wings are now fixed to the center section rather than detachable. To reduce aerodynamic drag, the number of access panels on the fuselage has been reduced. Two types of turbojet engines are used in the Geran-4: the discontinued Chinese Telefly LX-WP-160 engine (160 kg / 1600 N thrust) and a Chinese engine previously seen on the Geran-5, the Telefly TF-TJ2000A (200 kgf / 1960 N thrust).
The new Geran-4 airframe allows active maneuvering at speeds of 300–400 km/h, while its reinforced structure withstands significant overloads.
It is reported that the Geran-4 can reach speeds of up to 500 km/h and an altitude of up to 5,000 meters. The UAV can carry a 50 kg fragmentation-high-explosive or thermobaric warhead (OFZBCh-50 / TBBCh-50M), or an enlarged 90 kg thermobaric warhead (TBBCh-90), with a range of up to 450 km.
The onboard control system and electronic components are identical to those used in previous UAVs produced by the Alabuga special economic zone company. The dimensions of the new Geran-4 airframe remain unchanged: 3.5 meters in length and 3 meters in wingspan.
