In a statement published on Monday, HUR said Moscow introduced the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in May 2026 to counter the growing effectiveness of Ukrainian interceptor drones.
The agency said the drone is part of a broader effort to improve earlier models, which showed structural weaknesses at high speeds and during sharp maneuvers.
Reports of Geran-4’s sighting in Ukraine emerged as early as January 2026 based on comments from the 413th Raid Battalion of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces (USF) at the time.
In early May, Ukraine’s 1020th Anti-Aircraft Missile Artillery Regiment intercepted a jet-powered drone later identified as the Geran-4 by Defense outlet Militarnyi.
What parts are found in the Geran-4?
The agency’s War & Sanctions portal said Russia used two types of Chinese-made turbojet engines in the drone: the Telefly LX-WP-160 and the Telefly TF-TJ2000A, the latter previously identified in the “Geran-5” model.
The War & Sanctions platform documents foreign components used in Russian systems and tracks companies involved in their production.
HUR said the “Geran-4” features a redesigned airframe with improved aerodynamics, a reinforced structure and a more powerful turbojet engine.
Its wings are permanently attached to the fuselage, and the number of maintenance hatches has been reduced to lower air resistance.
HUR said the onboard control system uses components similar to those found in earlier drones produced by Russia’s Alabuga facility.
The agency reported that initial test launches were conducted from a site in Russia’s Oryol region and from the territory of the former Donetsk airport, as Russia prepared for serial production in 2026.
The agency warned that weapons used in Ukraine could later be used elsewhere and called for stronger sanctions and tighter controls on dual-use technology.
Geran-4’s spec sheet
HUR said the drone can maneuver at speeds of 300-400 kilometers per hour (186-249 miles per hour) and reach up to 500 kilometers per hour (311 miles per hour).
It can fly at altitudes of up to 5,000 meters (16,404 feet).
The UAV can carry either a 50-kilogram (110-pound) high-explosive or thermobaric warhead, or a 90-kilogram (198-pound) thermobaric payload, with a reported range of up to 450 kilometers (280 miles).