KYIV — Ukrainian sources have reported that Russia is now launching its jet-powered Geran-5 one-way attack drone from Mi-28 attack helicopters. The reported helicopter launch method would add another way of deploying the system, which had previously been associated with ground launch systems and planned air-launch trials involving the Su-25.
The Geran-5 first appeared in combat use against Ukraine in January 2026, according to Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Intelligence (HUR). Unlike earlier propeller-driven Geran variants based on the Iranian Shahed design, the Geran-5 uses a conventional aircraft-style configuration and a turbojet engine.
According to HUR, the Geran-5 has a maximum takeoff weight of 850 kg, a 90-kg warhead, a cruising speed of 450–600 km/h, flight endurance of up to two hours, and a reported range of about 950 km. Its maximum altitude is listed at 6,000 meters.
The drone is powered by the Chinese TELEFLY TF-TJ2000A turbojet engine, which HUR identifies as producing 200 kgf (about 1,960 newtons) of thrust. Its navigation and communications equipment includes the Kometa-M12 satellite navigation system, SADRA/MINSOO inertial navigation, Tracker V3 telemetry equipment and an Xingkai Tech XK-F358 MESH modem.
HUR has also identified electronic components originating from China, the United States and Germany in the Geran-5. The Ukrainian intelligence service previously reported that Russia was examining the possibility of launching the drone from Su-25 aircraft.
The reported use of Mi-28 helicopters has not been independently confirmed in the sources reviewed for this report.
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