In recent large-scale attacks on Ukraine, Russia has begun deploying jet-powered Shahed-238 drones, turning into new adversaries for Ukraine's air defenses. According to RBC Ukraine, Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat reported that at least 8 of these drones were used in the attacks on Kyiv and northern regions during the night of July 30-31. Known as Geran-3, these derive from Iran's Shahed-238, first introduced in 2023.
What is Geran-3?
Geran-3 is a drone powered by a jet engine, designed by Russia with help from Iran's Shahed-238. Its distinctive features include...
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Source: aajtak
Speed: It can fly at 600 kilometers per hour, akin to a missile.
Altitude: It reaches altitudes of 9,000 meters, beyond the reach of common weapons.
Weight and Size: Weighing 380 KG, it measures 3.5 meters in length, with a wingspan of 3 meters, heavier compared to the previous Geran-2 (250 kilograms).
Armaments: It can carry warheads ranging from 50 to 300 kilograms, including thermobaric charges.
Sound: Its jet engine is remarkably loud, differing from the subtle buzz of older drones, complicating identification.
Engine: Operates on Tolu-10 or Tolu-13 engines, akin to the Czech PBS TJ100 and TJ150.
This drone can linger in the air for up to 2 hours, launched from trucks or via solid-fuel boosters. Its debris (serial number U-36) was found in June 2025, revealing manufacturing at Russia's Alabuga zone in Tatarstan.
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How Did the Attack on Ukraine Occur?
During the night of July 30-31, 2025, Russia attacked Kyiv and other regions, involving...
A total of 78 Shahed drones were deployed.
Of these, 51 were intercepted using electronic warfare, interceptor drones, mobile fire teams, and anti-air missiles.
Significantly, 8 were jet-powered drones, marking their first extensive use.
Additionally, 8 Iskander-K cruise missiles and decoy UAVs partook in the assault.
Outcome: 13 dead, over 130 injured.
The operation targeted numerous areas, with Kyiv being the primary target.
Source: aajtak
Why is it a Threat to Ukraine's Defense?
Radar Challenge: With speeds exceeding 500 km/h, Geran-3 resembles a missile on radar, complicating interception.
Height and Range: At 9000 meters and a range of 1200-2500 kilometers, it evades typical weaponry.
Detection Difficulty: With a small radar cross-section (0.05 square meters) and loud jet noises, sound systems struggle in tracking it.
Combined Attacks: Russia employs it with slower drones and missiles, confounding Ukraine's defenses.
Ukraine's mobile fire teams, relying on machine guns, are challenged in neutralizing it. Yet, heat-seeking missiles like Stinger and Piorun can target it effectively.
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Key Features and Variants of Geran-3
This drone adapts in several forms...
Basic Version: Guided by GPS and GLONASS.
Infrared Seeker: Targets heat sources.
Radar Homing: Tracks air defense radars.
Electro-Optical: Aids in reconnaissance or visual guidance.
Some are truck-launched, others boosted. Air launches are speculated but unverified.
Source: aajtak
Russia's Preparations and Production
Alabuga Zone: Starting with Iranian kits, Russia in Tatarstan ramps up local production.
Parts: Includes components from Canada, Switzerland, and the USA, clandestinely sourced despite sanctions.
Production Rate: While Iran offered 100 drones monthly in 2023, jet engines and robust builds slow production.
Cost: Unlike the Shahed-136 ($20,000-$50,000), Geran-3 might cost $1.4 million.
Russia plans to manufacture 2000 to 5000 drones monthly, with fewer being jet variants.
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Ukraine's Response
Interceptor Drones: Ukraine develops quick FPV drones, aiming for 1000 daily, yet struggled against jet drones.
Pilots and Missiles: Western fighter jets (armed with Sidewinder and MICA missiles) could intercept them.
Awareness: President Zelensky and Minister Fedorov stress on prompt responses to Russia's tactics.
Cost Balance: AIM-120 missiles ($500,000-$1 million) or Patriots ($4 million) far exceed Geran-3's cost, testing defenses.
Strategy and Future Prospects?
Russia aims to weaken Ukraine's defense and exert pressure through cost-effective weapons. Employing Geran-3 akin to cruise missiles, it intends to deplete Ukraine's missile reserves. Harsh sanctions and production complexities might limit its numbers. Ukrainian analysts suggest it's in the testing phase, predicting delayed widespread deployment.
