TEHRAN/MOSCOW — Iran has asked Russia to supply advanced Geran-4 and Geran-5 jet-powered drones for use in its conflict with Israel and the United States, according to the Financial Times. The report cited Western security officials and a source close to the Kremlin.
The request was made in 2026 and involves newer versions of the Geran drone family, which developed from Iran’s Shahed-136 strike drone. Iran supplied the Shahed-136 to Russia beginning in 2022, while Russia started domestic production under the Geran name in 2023 and continued upgrading the system based on experience from the war in Ukraine.
Unlike earlier propeller-powered versions, the Geran-4 and Geran-5 use jet engines, allowing them to fly at higher speeds. The Geran-5 can reportedly reach up to 600 km/h, carry a warhead of up to 90 kg, and cover up to 1,000 km. It is also equipped with a thermal imaging camera, an AI-based guidance system and anti-jamming capabilities.
The jet-powered drones have become more difficult for Ukrainian air defenses to intercept. Ukrainian forces reportedly intercept about 60 percent of the newer versions, compared with around 90–95 percent of older propeller-powered drones. Despite their higher speed and capabilities, they remain cheaper than cruise missiles such as Russia's Kalibr and Kh-101, allowing Russia to use them against a wider range of targets.
Russia has expanded Geran production at facilities including the Alabuga Special Economic Zone in Tatarstan. Ukrainian military intelligence has reported production of around 3,000 Geran-4 and Geran-5 drones combined per month at peak periods.
The Geran-5, which reportedly entered combat use in early 2026, has an airframe closer to a small cruise missile and uses a Chinese-made turbojet engine. Some reports have also indicated that it can be launched from aircraft such as the Su-25.
Earlier in 2026, Western intelligence reported that Russia had sent drones, along with medicine and food, to Iran. Those deliveries were described as involving Geran-2 drones based on the original Shahed-136 design.
Iran's reported request for the newer jet-powered Geran-4 and Geran-5 systems marks a further development in military cooperation between Tehran and Moscow. Neither Russian nor Iranian officials has publicly confirmed the specific request.
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