Russia’s Geran‑3 drones too expensive for Moscow, merely target practice for Ukraine — expert

Valerii Romanenko, aviation expert and senior researcher at the State Aviation Museum, told Espreso that these drones are not an insurmountable threat to Ukraine’s air defenses; on the contrary, for Ukrainian fighters, they serve as training targets.

"There is no particular tragedy. If a drone escapes the action of one type of air defense weapon, it automatically falls under the action of another. For example, it is more difficult for mobile groups to engage targets traveling at 500 km/h, as machine guns and anti-aircraft drones are less effective. But for artillery systems such as Gepard, Skynex, or Slinker, such speed is irrelevant—we have enough of them. Also, MANPADS are perfectly guided by the heat source of the Geran-3 jet engine, unlike the piston-powered Geran-2. Moreover, for our fighters, drones with a speed of 200 km/h, such as the Geran-2, are a difficult target due to their low speed. But the Geran-3, with a speed of 500 km/h, is an ideal training target. A fighter jet can easily approach and shoot it down with its cannon," says Romanenko.

The expert adds that Geran-3 is a modification of Geran-2 with the same glider and body, but with a jet engine. The warhead weighs 50 kg and is a fragmentation-high-explosive-incendiary type, as in conventional Shahed drones. However, due to higher fuel consumption, its range is shorter than that of Geran-2. 

Romanenko also stressed that Geran-3 will not become a popular choice for Russians to strike Ukraine because of its price.

"They are 2–3 times more expensive than Geran-2 because of their jet engines. Piston engines are simpler, without a starter, which makes them several times cheaper. The Russian economy is already feeling the pressure, as it has to pay China for engines and electronics. The mass production of Geran-3 is limited by its cost," the aviation expert emphasizes.

Late detection may be due to mufflers on engines, but this has not been confirmed

Valerii Romanenko noted that today the Armed Forces of Ukraine shot down 94% of drones and 90% of cruise missiles, which is a high indicator:

"The Russians use various means to complicate the work of air defense forces. Remember how they used Kh-69 missiles to strike the Trypilska Thermal Power Plant. But they didn't succeed a second time. After all, we quickly adapt to new weapons. Air defense troops and units engaged in electronic warfare are the most intelligent units of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. They are constantly conducting research and development work, calculating parameters for effective countermeasures."

In addition, the expert explained that today's “disappearance of targets” and their detection at the last moment, as reported in Telegram channels, is related to Russia's constant search for ways to circumvent Ukrainian air defense systems.

"It depends on the targets that “disappeared.” Winged missiles can perform maneuvers such as ‘rolls’ or dives if they have a penetrating warhead. Shahed drones usually descend before striking, but they can also ascend. There may be speculation that the Russians are testing silencers on engines, but this has not been confirmed. More data is needed. My advice is simple: when there is an air raid alert, go to a shelter or the subway; if you stay at home, at least use the rule of three walls, for example, stay in the bathroom," Romanenko concluded.

Czech engine found in Geran-3

It should be noted that during Russia's massive combined strike on Kyiv on August 28, Geran-3 jet drones were used, according to Clash Report.

The publication analyzed the debris and wrote that an inspection of the downed drone revealed a part of non-Russian origin.

"It has been established that the power unit of the kamikaze drones is the PBS TJ40-G2 engine, which produces 400 Newtons of thrust, manufactured by PBS Velká Bíteš in the Czech Republic. Geran-3 kamikaze drones with jet engines also use SW400 pro engines of Chinese origin," Clash Report wrote.

Geran-3 first attacked the Ukrainian capital in early June.

• On Wednesday evening, August 27, the Russian occupying army launched strike drones on Ukrainian territory. The attack in Kyiv caused numerous casualties. Nineteen people were killed, including four children.