Iran: Israel is the ‘only winner’ of regional tensions

Russia transformed the Iranian Shahed drone, which it previously used in Ukraine, into a jet-powered version known as the Geran-5. Iran is now requesting the return of these upgraded drones, with the intention of utilizing them in conflicts against Israel and the United States, according to Western intelligence cited by the Financial Times.

This development signifies Russia's capacity to rapidly modify and enhance its weaponry during active conflict. Initially, Russia started constructing its own version of the Shahed, named Geran, in 2023. The first iteration, Geran-1, had a top speed of 185 km/h and carried a 20-kilogram warhead. The latest model, Geran-5, can reach speeds of up to 600 km/h and can carry a 90-kilogram warhead over a distance of up to 1,000 km.

These newer models also incorporate thermal cameras, AI-assisted guidance, Russian anti-jamming antennas, and Chinese mesh modems. Ukrainian defense technology advisor Serhii Flash Beskrestnov explained that a Russian operator flies the drone at an altitude of 2–5 km, locks onto the target using a camera, and then the drone autonomously attacks the target.

The Kremlin's ability to swiftly develop and deploy new models is facilitated by centralized production, which enables rapid revisions and combat testing. Ruslan Pukhov, head of the Moscow-based Center for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies, noted that this approach significantly reduces the extensive testing phase typically associated with military development projects.