Ukrainian interceptors can't keep up with Geranium-3 and Geranium-5 — Forbes

Russia has developed jet drones "Geran-3" and "Geran-5", capable of speeds up to 600 km/ h. This is reported by Forbes magazine.

According to the GUR of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, "Geranium-3" is used to strike targets on Ukraine since June last year. The Chinese Telefly turbojet engine is installed on it, thanks to which the UAV is capable of reaching speeds of more than 500 km/ h. The design of the Geranium-3 is similar in many ways to the Geranium-2 — it has retained a delta-shaped wing and dimensions with a wingspan of about three meters, as well as a similar flight control system.

The larger "Geranium-5" was first recorded on Ukraine in early January 2026. It is about six meters long with a wingspan of about 5.5 meters. Unlike previous versions, the Geranium-5 design is similar to an airplane — straight wings and a cylindrical body. It is capable of carrying a warhead weighing about 90 kg, hitting targets at a distance of up to 1,000 km and reaching speeds of about 600 km/h.

"According to analysts, such jet drones can fly much faster than Ukrainian interceptor drones. However, the use of turbojet engines complicates the design and increases the cost of production, so new models are used to a limited extent," the publication quotes "Время.иа ".

It is noted that an increase in the speed of Russian UAVs may reduce the effectiveness of existing Ukrainian interceptors, but in this case Ukraine will rely more on other means of air defense, including electronic warfare systems, short-range air defense and aviation.