Geran-2 / Shahed-136

The Geran-2 is the Russian-licensed variant of the Iranian Shahed-136 delta-wing loitering munition — an inexpensive one-way attack drone designed to saturate air defenses. Powered by a modified motorcycle engine, it flies at 180–200 km/h with a 40–45 kg warhead. Russia has used Geran-2 by the thousands in mass nighttime attacks on Ukrainian cities, infrastructure, and energy facilities since September 2022.

Saturation attacks on fixed infrastructure — power plants, substations, industrial facilities, grain storage, residential areas Geran-2 is Russia's primary mass-attack weapon against civilian infrastructure. Ukraine established a tiered air defense response specifically around Shaheds, including night-vision mobile teams with small arms, 23mm ZU-23 guns, and radar-guided systems. Russia began producing Geran-2 domestically in 2023 at a reported rate of 300–500/month to reduce Iranian supply dependency.

Russia (production in Russia/Iran). First documented use in Ukraine: 2022-09-13.

Very cheap — affordable for mass swarm attacks Difficult to detect on radar due to low RCS and altitude Loud distinctive engine noise provides warning but also psychological pressure Long range allows launch from deep inside Russia Variants with GPS-jam resistance have improved accuracy

Slow speed (180 km/h) — vulnerable to guns, small arms, and even MiG-29s Limited accuracy against moving or small targets No precision strike capability comparable to cruise missiles Distinctive sound signature alerts defenders Warm engine heat signature makes thermal targeting effective

The Geran-2 / Shahed-136 has a range of ~2,000 km. Russia launched 2,400+ Geran-2/Shahed drones in mass nighttime raids from October 2022 to January 2023, targeting Ukraine's power grid and causing millions of hours of blackouts. Ukraine intercepts ~70–80% in mass raids using a combination of NASAMS, Gepard, mobile air defense teams, and electronic warfare.