Russia is adapting its tactics for using the “Geras” family of attack drones (the Russian version of Iran’s Shahed) in response to the strengthening of Ukraine’s air defense.
![Russia is abandoning mass attacks with identical "Shaheds": what it is using instead](/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/05370305618f0db40a1f879eb632b6d0.jpg "Russia is abandoning mass attacks with identical "Shaheds": what it is using instead")
“Shahed” / © Associated Press
Instead of mass attacks with identical drones, the occupiers are increasingly using various modifications of UAVs, each performing a specific combat mission.
This is reported by Forbes military analyst Vikram Mittal.
Ukraine has significantly increased its effectiveness against “Shaheds”
The author notes that initially Russia relied on the inexpensive “Geras-2” drones, based on the Iranian Shahed-136. Their mass production allowed hundreds of drones to be launched into Ukraine in a single night, attempting to overload the Ukrainian air defense system.
However, over the past few years, Ukraine has significantly improved its countermeasure system against such attacks. In addition to electronic warfare assets, mobile fire groups, modern air defense systems, aviation, and specialized interceptor drones are actively used.
According to the author, Ukrainian Defense Forces currently intercept 92% to 96% of Russian “Geras,” which has practically nullified their main advantage – low cost.
Russia has responded with new modifications
In response, the Russian army has begun to actively implement modernized versions of the drones.
This includes, in particular, “Geras-3” and “Geras-4,” equipped with jet engines. These drones can reach speeds of 300 to 500 km/h, which significantly complicates their interception by both air defense forces and interceptor drones.
Furthermore, the new models fly at higher altitudes, reducing the time Ukrainian units have to react.
Drones have learned to maneuver
According to Forbes, certain modifications of “Geras” are now under operator control for part of their flight.
Unlike previous models that flew along a pre-programmed route, the new drones can:
-
change their route;
-
perform evasion maneuvers;
-
react to the threat of interception;
-
bypass areas with dense air defense.
There are also reports of drones equipped with electro-optical cameras and infrared sensors. Such systems allow them to detect Ukrainian air defense assets, track approaching interceptor drones, and even follow moving targets.
Russia has changed the very principle of drone deployment
The author of the article notes that over the past month, Russia has also revised the concept of using “Geras” drones.
Previously, the main goal was to massively overload Ukrainian air defense with hundreds of identical drones, but now different modifications are assigned specialized tasks.
According to Forbes, “Geras-2” continues to be used for daily strikes on logistics centers, depots, fuel infrastructure, railways, and other operational targets near the front line. “Geras-3” and “Geras-4” are employed for strikes against more heavily defended strategic targets deep in Ukraine’s rear.
The publication notes that before such attacks, the Russian military conducts additional reconnaissance to identify the least defended flight paths and increase the probability of breaching Ukrainian defenses.
The confrontation continues to evolve
In the author’s opinion, the current situation demonstrates a constant technological race between offensive and defensive means.
After Ukraine learned to effectively destroy most attack drones, Russia began to modernize them and revise its deployment tactics. At the same time, the Ukrainian side also continues to improve its air defense systems and drone countermeasures.
Forbes points out that this indicates a continuous cycle of adaptation, where both sides constantly change their approaches to the use of drone technology.
Comments Sort: New Old Popular Submit