Origin: Russia | Manufacturer: Various
Role: Loitering Munition / Strike UAS
Overview:
The Geran-2 is a low-cost, expendable loitering munition used by Russian forces, widely understood to be a localized adaptation of the Iranian Shahed-136. First observed in combat over Ukraine in 2022, the Geran-2 has since become a core component of Russia’s long-range strike capabilities, particularly in swarm attacks against infrastructure. While initially imported, evidence suggests that Russian defense contractors, including Special Technology Center (STC) in St. Petersburg and Alabuga Special Economic Zone firms, have begun domestic production and modification. The Geran-2 features a pusher propeller configuration, delta wing design, and GPS/INS navigation with limited onboard intelligence. Its cost-effective and scalable design reflects a shift toward saturation-based strike tactics in modern warfare. The Geran drone and emerging variants represent a shift in military-industrial doctrine and serve as a representative example of the evolution of the drone in modern warfare.
Key Specifications:
| Metric | Value |
| Length | ~ 11.5 ft (3.5 m) |
| Wingspan | ~ 8.2 ft (2.5 m) |
| Weight (Launch) | ~ 440 lbs (200 kg) |
| Warhead | ~ 110 lbs (50 kg) high-explosives |
| Engine | MD-550 2-cylinder piston engine* |
| Speed | ~ 100 – 120 knots (185 km/h) (cruise) |
| Range | ~ 270 – 380 NM (500 – 700 km) |
| Endurance | ~ 2.5 – 3 hours |
| Navigation | GNSS + INS, no datalink |
| Launch Method | rail or pneumatic ramp, often vehicle mounted |
| Manufacturer | STC, Alabuga SEZ industiral park, others |
Note: Original Iranian Shahed-136 units used MADO M-550 engines from China. Russian variants may now be domestically assembled under license or modified to use other powerplants
