Russia is increasingly relying on jet-powered Geran attack drones instead of propeller versions, with their share reaching 25 to 50 percent in recent attacks, Ukrainian outlet Defense Express reported.
Vadym Skibitsky, deputy chief of Ukraine's Main Intelligence Directorate, told RBC-Ukraine in an interview that the Geran-4 and Geran-5 drones have problems with turbojet engines. He said Russia was trying to produce its own but currently remained fully dependent on China for the engines, which cost about $35,000 to $40,000 each. Defense Express noted it had already reported in January on Russia's critical dependence on China for jet drone production.
Chinese engine suppliers
According to Ukraine's Defense Intelligence, the Geran-3 uses an engine from Chinese company Telefly with 80 kgf of thrust, the Geran-4 uses a 160 kgf engine, and the Geran-5 uses a 200 kgf engine. Russia also uses engines from another Chinese company, Swiwin, with 80 kgf of thrust, in its Banderol cruise missile. Analysts said the engines are sold as civilian products, though mass supply to Russia is unlikely without Beijing's tacit consent, and Chinese companies may expand production to meet Russian demand.
Strikes on Ukrainian ports
UNIAN earlier reported that Russia upgraded its Geran drones and has used them against Ukraine's Black Sea ports since July. Forbes reported the strikes aim to cause economic damage by disrupting Ukraine's main sea trade corridor, hitting port infrastructure and fuel tanks in Odesa, Chornomorsk, Pivdennyi and Mykolaiv, all within range of drones launched from occupied Crimea. Reserve Air Force officer Anatoliy Khrapchynskyi, a defense enterprise development director, said Russian forces are seeking ways for the jet drones to reach western Ukraine quickly and to overload Ukraine's air defense resources.
