File image.
The Russian military has struck several units of Kiev forces and two vital bridges in different directions of the special military operation zone using Geran suicide drones.
The strikes hit several vehicles of the Liut Brigade and the 36th Marine Brigade in the settlements of Stepanivka and Kleban-Byk in the direction of Donetsk. In the same direction, two bridges were targeted near the settlements of Shakhovo and Vladimirovka.
Other strikes targeted a training camp in the settlement of Popasnoye in the direction of Luhansk and a drone unit close to the settlement of Yablonovka in the Sumy direction. Videos showing all the recent strikes were posted to social networks on June 20 and 21.
Russia produces three versions of the Geran, which are alleged to be copies of the Iranian-made Shahed-131, 136 and 238 suicide drones.
The Geran-1 and 2 are both pusher-propelled. The first has a range of 900 kilometers with a warhead weighing 15 kg, while the second has a range of 2,500 kilometers with a warhead weighing 50 kg. Meanwhile, the Geran-3, which is propelled by a turbojet engine, has a range of 2,500 kilometers and a warhead weighing 90 kg.
All three versions of the Geran are guided via a GLONASS-aided inertial navigation system. Loitering munition versions with terminal electro-optical homing are reported to be at least in development.
The proximity of the targets in Donetsk, Luhansk and Sumy suggest that the recent strikes were all carried out using the lighter Geran-1.
Due to their small radar cross-section and minimal infrared signature, Geran drones are extremely difficult to intercept. With their long range and high precision, they have proven to be a real game changer.
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