Russian Geran-5 missile-drones used in attacks against Ukraine earlier this year rely heavily on Western-made microelectronics, according to an analysis published on the War & Sanctions portal.
The review of recovered components shows that the Geran-5 incorporates microchips originating from multiple countries, including the United States and Germany. Some components are manufactured in China, such as the XK-F358 MESH modem produced by Xingkai Tech. The findings highlight Russia’s continued ability to source foreign electronics despite international sanctions.
The component analysis identified electronics produced by several U.S. companies, including Texas Instruments, CTS Corporation, and Monolithic Power Systems. Texas Instruments components found in the Geran-5 include the LM258 operational amplifier, TMS320 digital signal processor, VP230 CAN transceiver, 42Z211JG3 six-channel inverter, and PS767D301 voltage regulator. CTS Corporation components include CTS39CB3 clock oscillators, while Monolithic Power Systems products include the MPST17 synchronous step-down converter.
Texas Instruments components found in the Geran-5 missile-drone. Screenshot from the War & Sanctions website
In addition, microchips manufactured by the German company Infineon Technologies were identified, specifically the 014N06NS transistors. Notably, the production dates of several components indicate they were manufactured after the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, further demonstrating Moscow’s capacity to circumvent sanctions to continue producing advanced strike systems.
The Geran-5 is powered by a TELEFLY TF-TJ2000A turbojet engine, which reportedly delivers 200 kilograms of thrust while weighing approximately 29 kilograms. Publicly available test materials confirm the engine’s performance characteristics.
Testing of the TELEFLY TF-TJ2000A turbojet engine. Collage from the made-in-china.com website
Although produced by the same manufacturer and sharing the Geran designation with earlier Russian copies of Iranian drones—Geran-1 through Geran-4—the Geran-5 differs significantly in both design and mission. Its airframe more closely resembles a cruise missile than the delta-wing Shahed-type UAVs, placing it in the category of missile-drones.
Render of the Geran-5 kamikaze drone. Photo credits: Defense Intelligence of Ukraine
According to Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence, the Geran-5 is a Russian replica of the Iranian Karrar UAV. Its estimated flight speed of 500–600 km/h marks a substantial increase over the Geran-2’s roughly 180 km/h, making the Geran-5 a far more challenging target for air defences.
Source: MILITARNYI