MOSCOW, Russia — Russia has revealed jet-powered versions of its Harpy (Garpiya) attack drone and a new mobile launch system in footage broadcast by state television channel NTV in early October 2026. The footage was subsequently analyzed by the Telegram channel Colonel of the General Staff.
Two Jet-Powered Variants
The footage showed two configurations. The first uses a jet engine fitted into the existing piston-engine airframe, similar to Russia's Geran-3. The second features a redesigned airframe built specifically for jet propulsion. Production reportedly remains limited, and official performance specifications have not been released.
According to the footage analysis, the new drones use inertial navigation systems (INS) and satellite navigation systems. They reportedly lack advanced optical cameras and mesh modems, while some configurations feature a laser sensor designed to trigger an aerial detonation.
Harpy-A1 Specifications
The original piston-powered Harpy-A1 is manufactured by Izhevsk Electromechanical Plant (IEMZ) Kupol, part of the Almaz-Antey concern. Its flying-wing design resembles the Iranian Shahed-136 and Russian Geran-2.
According to assessments attributed to Ukrainian military intelligence, the Harpy-A1 has a takeoff weight of approximately 300 kilograms, a maximum speed of around 185 km/h, a range of up to 1,500 kilometres and a payload capacity of up to 150 kilograms. These specifications apply to the piston-powered model, not the new jet variants.
Mobile Launch System
The NTV report also showed a launcher mounted on a KamAZ-5350 military truck chassis. It is designed to transport and launch multiple Geran or Harpy drones, allowing deployment from dispersed locations without relying exclusively on fixed bases or airfields.
Export Plans and Production
Russia is promoting the piston-powered Harpy-A1E export model through Rosoboronexport, which began international marketing in August 2026. Its advertised specifications include a range of up to 1,000 kilometres, a warhead exceeding 50 kilograms, a speed of at least 170 km/h, endurance of at least six hours and an operating altitude of 50 to 2,500 metres.
The manufacturer says it can fulfil domestic and export orders simultaneously and is prepared to discuss establishing production facilities in partner countries. The export model is scheduled for display at defence exhibitions in Vietnam and China.
Harpy-A1 production began under a Russian Defence Ministry contract in 2023. Open-source reporting and European intelligence assessments have indicated that more than 2,500 units were produced between mid-2023 and mid-2024. Kupol manufactures the Harpy family, while Alabuga handles higher-volume Geran production.
Further details about the new jet-powered Harpy variants, including their range, speed and production numbers, have not been disclosed.
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