Russia is adapting its tactics for using Geran-family attack drones (the Russian version of Iran’s Shahed) in response to enhanced Ukrainian air defense.
“Shahed” / © Associated Press
Instead of massive attacks with identical drones, the occupiers are increasingly using various modifications of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), each performing a specific combat mission.
This is reported by Forbes military analyst Vikram Mittal.
Ukraine has significantly increased its effectiveness against “Shaheds”
The author notes that Russia initially relied on the inexpensive Geran-2 drones, based on the Iranian Shahed-136. Their mass production allowed for launching hundreds of drones into Ukraine in a single night, attempting to overload the Ukrainian air defense system.
However, over the past few years, Ukraine has significantly improved its counteraction system against such attacks. In addition to electronic warfare systems, mobile fire groups, modern air defense systems, aviation, and specialized interceptor drones are actively being used.
According to the author, Ukrainian Defense Forces currently intercept 92% to 96% of Russian Gerans, which has practically nullified their main advantage – low cost.
Russia responded with new modifications
In response, the Russian army has begun to actively implement modernized versions of drones.
This includes, in particular, the Geran-3 and Geran-4, equipped with jet engines. Such drones can reach speeds of 300 to 500 km/h, which significantly complicates their interception by both air defense forces and interceptor drones.
Furthermore, the new models fly at higher altitudes, reducing the time Ukrainian units have to respond.
Drones have learned to maneuver
According to Forbes, some Geran modifications are now under operator control for part of their flight.
Unlike previous models that flew along a pre-programmed route, the new drones can:
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change their route;
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perform evasion maneuvers;
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react to interception threats;
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bypass areas with dense air defenses.
There are also reports of drones equipped with electro-optical cameras and infrared sensors. Such systems allow them to detect Ukrainian air defense assets, track approaching interceptor drones, and even track moving targets.
Russia has changed the very principle of drone deployment
The article’s author notes that over the past month, Russia has revised the concept of Geran usage itself.
While previously the main goal was to massively overload Ukrainian air defense with hundreds of identical drones, now different modifications are assigned specialized tasks.
According to Forbes, the Geran-2 continues to be used for daily strikes on logistics centers, warehouses, fuel infrastructure, railways, and other operational targets near the front lines. The Geran-3 and Geran-4 are employed for strikes against more protected strategic targets deep within Ukraine.
The publication notes that before such attacks, Russian forces conduct additional reconnaissance to identify the least protected flight paths and increase the probability of breaking through Ukrainian defenses.
The confrontation continues to evolve
In the author’s opinion, the current situation demonstrates a constant technological race between offensive and defensive means.
After Ukraine learned to effectively destroy most attack drones, Russia began to modernize them and revise its tactics. At the same time, the Ukrainian side also continues to improve its air defense systems and drone countermeasures.
Forbes notes that this indicates a continuous adaptation cycle, where both sides constantly change their approaches to the use of drone technology.
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