The Ukrainian conflict has seen the introduction of a new type of Russian drone, which has added another layer of complexity to the already multifaceted warfare landscape. This new drone, known as the Gerbera, is reportedly a multirole long-range unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capable of undertaking both attack and surveillance missions. Its appearance marks a significant development in the ongoing conflict, reflecting both technological advancements and tactical evolutions within the Russian military apparatus.
The first evidence of the Gerbera drone emerged recently when photos of one example, apparently downed over the Kyiv region on July 24, 2024, were circulated on Ukrainian social media. The drone in question reportedly had no warhead fitted, indicating its use for missions other than strikes, such as reconnaissance. According to the Ukrainian Defense Express website, the drone was brought down “almost undamaged” by Ukrainian air defenses, though this claim remains unconfirmed.
Design and Features
The Gerbera drone shares some visual similarities with the widely used Iranian-designed Shahed/Geran long-range one-way attack drone, known as the Shahed-136 or Geran-2 in its Russian designation. Both drones feature a relatively large delta wing, although the Gerbera’s wings have prominently cranked leading edges. Unlike the Geran, which has horizontal stabilizers on the wingtips, the Gerbera is equipped with a conventional single vertical tailfin, located just ahead of its single pusher propeller driven by an internal combustion engine.
Reports suggest that the Gerbera has a wingspan of approximately 2 meters (6.5 feet), compared to around 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) for the Geran-2. The body of the Gerbera is reportedly made of radar-absorbent foam, and, like some examples of the Geran, it has been seen in a black color scheme. These design choices likely enhance its stealth capabilities, making it harder to detect and track by radar systems.
Operational Capabilities
Serhii Flesh, a Ukrainian servicemember known for his insights into Russian drone developments, has claimed on Telegram that the Gerbera is intended for both reconnaissance and strike missions. He also suggests that the drone can be used to “distract” Ukrainian air defense systems, implying its potential use as a decoy. Additionally, Flesh mentions the possibility of the Gerbera being operated within a “swarm,” although he acknowledges that it is unlikely these drones can work dynamically in conjunction with each other in a true swarming fashion. Instead, they might be sent on carefully pre-programmed missions where each drone operates autonomously but in groups.
These claims are supported by a video report published by a Russian unit known as Stalin’s Falcons on July 28, 2024. The report states that the Gerbera can be used as a kamikaze attack drone, for electronic reconnaissance, or as a decoy for air defense systems. The report further indicates that the Gerbera was developed by the Gastello Design Bureau, a relatively unknown company, and suggests that it could be manufactured in the same factory in Yelabuga, Tatarstan, which produces the Geran drones.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Drone Name | Gerbera |
| Type | Multirole long-range drone |
| Missions | Attack, Surveillance, Decoy, Electronic Reconnaissance |
| First Evidence | Downed over Kyiv region on July 24, 2024 |
| Manufacturer | Gastello Design Bureau |
| Potential Production Site | Factory in Yelabuga, Tatarstan |
| Dimensions | Wingspan: approximately 2 meters (6.5 feet) |
| Material | Radar-absorbent foam |
| Color | Black |
| Design Features | – Large delta wing with cranked leading edges – Single vertical tailfin ahead of the pusher propeller – Internal combustion engine |
| Reconnaissance Capabilities | – Can fly reconnaissance missions – Equipped with a camera for targeting and visual reconnaissance – Can be pre-programmed to fly along a predetermined route – Equipped with 3G/4G antennas and modem with SIM card for video link |
| Attack Capabilities | – Can be used as a kamikaze attack drone – Uses camera for targeting (man-in-the-loop guidance system) |
| Decoy Capabilities | – Can be used to distract air defense systems – Can operate within a “swarm” – Multiple drones can operate autonomously but in groups |
| Communication | – Direct radio communication required for man-in-the-loop guidance system – Use of airborne relays to extend connectivity – Potential use of repeaters to extend radio communication link |
| Current Use and Evidence | – First example recovered in Kyiv region – No confirmed information on size, weight, range, speed, and payload – Possible that some claims of Shahed/Geran drones shot down are actually Gerbera |
| Operational Range | Hundreds of kilometers, at least (based on downed example in Kyiv) |
| Comparison to Shahed/Geran | – Similar appearance and flight profile – Lower-cost alternative – Easier to manufacture – Reduced range and payload compared to Shahed-136 but still effective – Cheaper and available in greater numbers |
| Strategic Importance | – Can absorb air defense missiles – Forces adaptation of Ukrainian defense strategies – Significant concern for Ukrainian air defense operators |
| Future Prospects | – More information expected as evaluation continues – Reflects ongoing technological and tactical evolutions – Adds complexity to air defense operations |
Tactical Implications
The strike version of the Gerbera drone reportedly uses a camera for targeting, implying a man-in-the-loop guidance system. This system necessitates maintaining direct radio communication between the drone and its operator, thus limiting its range. However, using airborne relays can extend this connectivity, a tactic that is increasingly employed in Ukraine. Despite this, there are still major limitations associated with this type of control concept.
The Ukrainian Militarnyi defense website also claims that another drone, fitted with a repeater, can be used to extend the range of the radio communication link to the Gerbera. This method, combined with the use of 3G/4G antennas and a modem containing a SIM card to connect to the Ukrainian mobile network, provides a semi-sporadic communication channel. This setup ensures a video link between the drone and its operator for at least some portions of its flight. Additionally, the Gerbera can be pre-programmed to fly along a predetermined route without operator intervention, similar to the Shahed/Geran series. The camera in the drone’s nose can be used for visual reconnaissance, scouting for additional targets along its pre-planned route, although this information would only be available after the drone is recovered and the data is downloaded.
Unknowns and Potential Impact
Despite the emerging details, many aspects of the Gerbera drone remain unknown, including its exact size, weight, range, speed, and payload. However, the fact that an example was recovered in the Kyiv region suggests it is capable of traveling at least several hundred kilometers. It is also unclear how long Russia might have been using this drone. Given its similar appearance and flight profile to the Geran, it is possible that some recent Ukrainian claims of downing Shahed/Geran drones might actually relate to the Gerbera.
The introduction of the Gerbera drone underscores Russia’s ongoing efforts to develop new extended-range attack drones. Despite the success of the Shahed/Geran series, the Gerbera might represent a lower-cost alternative that is easier to manufacture. While the Shahed-136s are relatively inexpensive, they are more costly than many realize and their production capacity is under immense pressure. A cheaper, more readily available alternative like the Gerbera could prove to be a valuable addition to the Russian arsenal. Even if the Gerbera’s range and payload are reduced compared to the Shahed-136, it could still be an effective weapon, particularly for overwhelming Ukrainian air defenses.
Strategic Considerations
The potential use of the Gerbera drone to absorb precious air defense missiles could be a key tactical advantage. Ukraine has pursued similar types of drones for extended strike operations, and the introduction of the Gerbera might force Ukrainian forces to further adapt their strategies. The appearance of the Gerbera will likely be a significant concern for Ukrainian air defense operators, who are already under strain defending civilian and infrastructure targets against a variety of threats, including the Shahed/Geran series, cruise and ballistic missiles, and air-launched munitions.
Future Developments
As Ukrainian authorities continue to evaluate the Gerbera, more information about its capabilities is likely to emerge. However, even at this early stage, the drone’s introduction is a clear indication of the evolving nature of the conflict and the continuous advancements in drone technology and warfare tactics. The Gerbera’s capabilities, particularly in reconnaissance and decoy roles, could provide Russian forces with new strategic options, potentially altering the dynamics of air defense and offensive operations in the region.
The emergence of the Gerbera drone represents a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Its multirole capabilities, including reconnaissance, strike, and decoy functions, reflect the continuous evolution of drone technology and its increasing importance in modern warfare. As more information becomes available, the full extent of the Gerbera’s impact on the conflict will become clearer. For now, its appearance adds another layer of complexity to the already challenging task of defending against aerial threats in the Ukrainian theater.
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