Ukraine identifies new Russian Geran-5 K5-K strike drone with 1,000 km range
Ukraine’s military intelligence says Russia began using the modified Geran-5 K5-K in attacks in early autumn 2026 and classified it as a small winged missile. Researchers examined a specimen that nearly landed intact in Ukraine, finding a thermobaric warhead, optical-navigation equipment and numerous foreign electronic components.
Key points
- Russia first used the modified Geran-5 K5-K against Ukraine in early autumn 2026.
- The weapon has a range of 1,000 km and a 90 kg thermobaric warhead.
- Its cruise speed exceeds 450 km/h, while individual manoeuvres can reach 1,000 km/h.
- The maximum flight altitude increased from 5 km to 6 km.
- The examined system uses the Susanin optical-electronic correlation system and a dual-range camera.
- Of 93 foreign electronic components, 52 came from US manufacturers, 10 from China and 10 from Switzerland.
- The jet engine was assembled in Alabuga using Chinese components, while Russian authorities reportedly concealed some component markings.
Why it matters
The modification is smaller and faster than the standard Geran-5, can fly higher and retains a 1,000 km range. Its 90 kg thermobaric warhead could increase the consequences of strikes on populated or protected areas. The examination also reveals Russia’s continued reliance on imported electronics and Chinese components, while concealed markings indicate that sanctions are complicating Russian supply chains.
What happened
Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defence said Russia began deploying the modified Geran-5 K5-K against Ukraine in early autumn 2026. It classified the system as a small winged missile based on its aerodynamic configuration and tactical characteristics. One used specimen almost landed intact in a Ukrainian field, enabling specialists to examine it in detail. The drone is 4 metres long and has a 3-metre wingspan, compared with 6.5 metres and 3.2 metres for the standard Geran-5. Its maximum altitude rises from 5 to 6 km, cruise speed exceeds 450 km/h and speed during individual manoeuvres can reach 1,000 km/h. Range remains 1,000 km, while the examined example carries a 90 kg TBBC-90 thermobaric warhead. Its avionics match recent Geran-4 Siker versions and include a flight controller, SADRA seeker navigation system with a MOH module, a localised 16-element Harxon GI-006 CRP antenna, a tracker and a mesh modem. The weapon also uses the Susanin optical-electronic correlation system, which compares camera imagery with a stored reference to verify the route from launch to target. The examined vehicle used a dual-range camera instead of optical sensors. Its TRD-200 turbojet was assembled in Alabuga from Chinese components. Investigators found 93 foreign electronic components, including 52 from US manufacturers, 10 from China and 10 from Switzerland.
How Ukrainian sources describe it
Ukrainian reporting focuses on the K5-K’s operational use against Ukraine, its classification as a small winged missile and the findings of military-intelligence specialists. Particular attention is paid to its higher speed and altitude, thermobaric warhead, Susanin navigation system and reliance on foreign electronics. The concealment of component markings is presented as evidence of growing pressure on Russian supply chains, while the technical findings are considered important for understanding and countering the new Russian strike system.
Background
The Geran-5 K5-K was examined by specialists from the Main Intelligence Directorate after a specimen deployed by Russia nearly landed intact in a Ukrainian field. War&Sanctions subsequently published an interactive 3D model, component details and information on nearly 100 foreign electronic components. An analogous block called “Sosiska”, intended to capture and track interceptors, had previously been found in the Gerber-2 drone.