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Russia has began to equipped some of its Geran-2 suicide drones with thermal imagers liked to an artificial intelligence-capable computing system, Ukrainian media reported on June 24.
One such Geran-2 drone was used in a recent attack on Ukraine. Besides the thermal imager and the AI computing system, the drone was equipped with a two-way data link and an enhanced GLONASS-aided inertial navigation system (INS)
Russia produces three versions of the Geran, which are alleged to be copies of the Iranian-made Shahed-131, 136 and 238 suicide drones.
The Geran-1 and 2 are both pusher-propelled. The first has a range of 900 kilometers with a warhead weighing 15 kg, while the second has a range of 2,500 kilometers with a warhead weighing 50 kg. Meanwhile, the Geran-3, which is propelled by a turbojet engine, has a range of 2,500 kilometers and a warhead weighing 90 kg. All three versions of the Geran are guided via a GLONASS-aided INS.
Overall, the latest upgrade, which may be just an experimental one, is meant to further improve the precision of the Geran-2.
The AI-linked thermal imager likely functions as an electro-optical homing seeker with the ability to designate and lock on targets with no interference from the operators even during night or bad weather conditions. Still, the presence of the data-link suggests that the operator could take control of the drone at the final phase in what is known as “man-in-the-loop” guidance.
Another function of this whole new system is likely to act as a damage assessment device, allowing the operators to know if the intended target was hit.
This upgrade makes Geran-2 more of a loitering munition, with the ability to designate and lock on targets, possibly including moving ones, after launch.
Russia has been reportedly developing a loitering munition version of the Geran-2 for quite some time, but it was not known before that AI was integrated into the system.
Geran drones with their long range and high precision have proven to be a real game changer. The use of these drones expanded significantly over the past year, with reports suggesting that they were constantly being upgraded and refined by the Russian military.
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hehehe. ukro nato bastards preparing to have their buttholes severely penetrated by these new drones.
stupid drones. the only reason why russia still exists is because of its nukes.
automated thermal targeting ? everybody is doing it . but the us versions will be to expensive to use .
russia still in 2025 does not have even light stealth drone able to drop 1 bomb in enemy rear.. 40 years after f117 and with virtually unlimited funds .. pathetic and borderline treasonous