Ukrainian intelligence revealed the secret of the new Russian drone with MANPADS 'Verba'.

According to ТСН: The Ukrainian intelligence agency revealed interesting details about a modified Russian drone 'Geran-2', which is now capable of attacking aircraft and helicopters using the built-in MANPADS 'Verba'. At the same time, the drone retains its primary warhead for strikes against ground targets.

This was reported by the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.

The military intelligence also published an interactive scheme of the electronic components of the 'Geran-2' drone series 'E' equipped with the portable anti-aircraft missile system 'Verba' on the War&Sanctions portal.

Characteristics of the 'Geran-2' series 'E' drone

This version of the Russian drone implies fully manual control by the operator in real-time. For this purpose, a Chinese optical camera Honpho TS130C-01 is used, located in the nose section of the drone, as well as a mesh modem Xingkay Tech XK-F358 from China.

The operator activates two servos after detecting a target. The first servo influences the chemical battery and the nitrogen cylinder to cool the guidance head of the MANPADS. The second servo opens the protective cover once the necessary temperature of the guidance head is achieved. The missile trigger mechanism is constantly held down using cable ties, which ensures automatic launch once the target is locked.

What distinguishes 'Geran-2' with MANPADS from the drone with the R-60 missile?

The main difference in this version is that the drone has a full-fledged warhead. The studied model is equipped with a thermobaric warhead TBBCH-50M.

Thus, even after launching the anti-aircraft missile, the drone retains the capability to perform its main tasks. Targeting can be carried out both automatically and manually by the operator.

Components of the 'Geran-2' drone with MANPADS

The onboard block system is typical for such drones and consists of:

• flight controller,

• inertial navigation system,

• 12-channel 'Kometa',

• tracker based on Raspberry microcomputer,

• 3G/4G modems and other components.

In the inertial navigation system, a new six-axis inertial module SCH1633-D0I from the Japanese company Murata is used for the first time. In 2024, this module was presented as an innovative solution for the automotive sector, particularly for autonomous control systems.

Another electronic component base comes from the USA, China, Switzerland, Taiwan, Japan, Germany, and Great Britain. A list of used components with markings and photodocumentation was published on the War&Sanctions portal.

In early 2026, the GUR recorded the use of a new reactive drone 'Geran-5', which measures 6 m in length and has a wingspan of 5.5 m. The new modification is equipped with a reinforced Telefly engine, a warhead weighing 90 kg, and a range of up to 1000 km.

According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Russia may launch a new production line based on Iranian technologies for manufacturing 'Geran-5' drones. Analysts believe that these drones can be used not only for attacks on ground targets but also for strikes against aerial targets.

Thus, the latest modifications of the 'Geran' drones indicate the evolution of Russian unmanned technologies, which can increase the threat to Ukrainian air and ground forces. It will be extremely important to monitor further updates and changes in enemy tactics for Ukrainian defense.