Ukrainian jet-powered drones have repeatedly and successfully targeted Russian infrastructure, striking oil refineries, power stations, and military facilities deep inside Russia.
Recent attacks, including those in early 2025, have hit sites in Moscow, Tver, and Volgograd, causing fires and operational disruptions. Notable strikes, such as the January 2025 attack on the Ryazan refinery, demonstrate Ukraine’s growing capability to use long-range, jet-propelled drones like the UJ-22 Airborne to hit critical energy and logistics targets.
Russia claims most drones are intercepted by air defenses but acknowledges that those that got through damaged oil depots and power grids.
Russia Set To Unleash Jet Powered Geran-3
Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Intelligence recently reported that Russia is ramping up large-scale production of the jet-powered Geran-3 drone.
According to Ukrainian sources, the Geran-3 is a rebranded version of the Iranian Shahed-238, much like the Geran-2, which is derived from the Shahed-236.
Iranian Shahid-238
The Shahed-238 is powered by the Toloue-10 or Toloue-13A low-bypass turbojet engine, developed by Iran’s Turbine Engine Manufacturing (TEM), a division of Iran Aircraft Industries.
With a reported speed of 550–600 km/h and a range of 2,500 km, the Shahed-238 is significantly faster than its predecessor, the Shahed-236. It carries a 40 kg warhead, similar in size to the Shahed-236, making it well-suited for strikes on infrastructure targets.
The drone’s standard variant relies on inertial navigation with SATNAV updates, though reports suggest the existence of infrared/optical guidance versions for targeting thermal-contrast objects like military equipment. There is also speculation about a passive radar-homing variant designed to attack enemy air defense systems.
The Shahed-238’s higher cruising speed would make it difficult for slow-moving Ukrainian mobile air defense groups armed with anti-aircraft machine guns and artillery to intercept the drone.
However, its jet engine’s thermal signature makes it more vulnerable to AD missile systems. Due to its higher cost, Russia is likely to deploy it selectively rather than in large swarms like the Shahed-136.
Russian Geran-3
Leaked documents and intelligence reports from Ukrainian sources, along with social media posts, suggest that Russia and Iran have been collaborating to establish domestic production of the Shahed-238 at facilities such as the Alabuga Special Economic Zone in Tatarstan.
Leaked emails from Iranian defense companies like Sahara Thunder—which is reportedly linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)—indicate that Russian delegations visited Iran in 2023 to study and potentially replicate Shahed-238 technology.
Additionally, Iran has supplied initial batches of the drone. Reports, including posts on X (formerly Twitter), claim that Iran delivered 89 new Shahed-238 drones to Russia in exchange for gold.
First Use
Unconfirmed reports from early 2024 suggest that Russia deployed at least one Geran-3 in an attack on Ukraine. Ukrainian forces claimed to have shot down the drone, with wreckage reportedly containing Western-made components, including a Czech PBS TJ150 turbojet engine and electronics from U.S. and Swiss manufacturers.
Ukraine has since claimed to have intercepted multiple Geran-3 drones. In one instance, Ukrainian air defense radar allegedly recorded the drone traveling at over 320 miles per hour (515 km/h)—nearly three times the speed of the Shahed-136, which is propeller-driven and often referred to as a “moped drone.”
Geran Improvements
While Ukraine portrays the Geran-3 as merely a rebranded Shahed-238, evidence suggests it is a heavily customized variant tailored to Russian requirements.
Russia has continually refined its Geran-2 drones based on battlefield experience and technological advancements, making it likely that the Geran-3 follows a similar path of improvement.
Over time, Russian Geran-2 drones have become stealthier, more accurate, and more lethal.
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The use of carbon composites has reduced visual and radar signatures while also lightening the airframe. This enables the drone to carry a larger, more destructive warhead—60-70 kg compared to the earlier 40-50 kg payload.
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The SATNAV system now relies on the military-grade GLONASS signal, replacing the earlier civilian GPS-based navigation, enhancing accuracy.
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The audio signature of the drone has been reduced, making detection more difficult.
Given these advancements, the Geran-3 is likely an evolution rather than a simple rebranding of the Shahed-238.
E/O Seeker
In October 2024, a video stream surfaced on social media, purportedly from a Geran-2 kamikaze drone variant equipped with an Optical/Thermal Imaging seeker.
A photo posted on the Military Info Telegram channel showed a Geran-2 variant with an electro-optical seeker on display at the Special Technology Center (STC) in St. Petersburg, Russia. (Photo & Video)
This drone, referred to as MS236, has:
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A length of 3.5 meters and a wingspan of 3 meters
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A range of 2,000 km
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A 50 hp internal combustion engine, enabling a 12-hour flight time at 170 km/h
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A maximum altitude of 4,500 meters
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A 50 kg warhead
The MS236 likely features a 4G modem with a Ukrainian SIM card, allowing it to stream video whenever connectivity is available. Alternatively, it can work with a repeater drone (M236) to relay operator signals, ensuring control over greater distances.
As a swarm leader, the MS236 could enhance targeting accuracy for multiple drones, making coordinated strikes significantly more effective.
Technological Enhancements In Russian Geran-2 Drones
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Now equipped with Kometa-M electronic warfare-resistant GLONASS antennas, improving navigational accuracy.
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Likely incorporation of optical seekers, enhancing precision in terminal guidance.
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Reduced radar and infrared signature through improved material use and design refinements.
Geran-3: A New Generation Of Russian Kamikaze Drones
Given Russia’s continuous refinements to the Geran-2, it is highly likely that some or all of these advancements have been incorporated into the Geran-3.
However, the use of a jet engine makes the Geran-3 more expensive and complex to produce compared to the Geran-2, suggesting that Russia will deploy it more selectively rather than in large swarms.
The export version of the Shahed-238—which the Geran-3 is reportedly based on—is estimated to cost $1.4 million, reinforcing the likelihood of limited production numbers.
Geran-3 vs. Traditional Cruise Missiles
While the Geran-3 functions similarly to a cruise missile, it offers distinct advantages:
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Greater stealth: Designed to minimize radar signature, the Geran-3 is launched from the ground using catapults, avoiding early detection. In contrast, strategic bombers carrying cruise missiles are easily identified as soon as they take off.
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Launch Concealment: Unlike conventional cruise missiles, whose launch points are easily identified by radar, the Geran-3 is harder to track and intercept.
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Adaptability: Russia is integrating more advanced guidance systems, including infrared and passive radar seekers, making interception even more challenging.
Conclusion
One key factor in Russia’s favor is Ukraine’s apparent shortage of air defense (AD) systems and missiles at this stage of the war. Evidence suggests gaps in Ukraine’s air defense coverage, which Russian forces could exploit with their evolving drone and missile strategies.
If Russia successfully integrates its latest drone advancements into the Geran-3, it could pose an even greater challenge to Ukrainian air defenses, further complicating Kyiv’s ability to protect critical infrastructure and frontline positions.
- Vijainder K Thakur is a retired IAF Jaguar pilot, author, software architect, entrepreneur, and military analyst.
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