Russia Deploys New Geran-5 Drone; Ukraine Targets Caspian Sea Oil Platforms
Russia has introduced the Geran-5 drone in recent attacks on Ukraine, while Ukrainian forces have struck Russian oil platforms in the Caspian Sea.
Russian forces have deployed the Geran-5, a new long-range strike drone, in recent attacks on Ukraine. According to Ukraine's Main Military Intelligence Directorate (GUR), the Geran-5 was used in combined air strikes between January 1 and 11. The drone carries a 90-kilogram warhead, has a range exceeding 1,000 kilometers, and shares components with other Geran models. It is reportedly based on the Iranian Karrar air-to-air drone and may be launched from aircraft like the Su-25, potentially enhancing Russia's air defense capabilities.
In response, Ukrainian forces have targeted Russian oil infrastructure. On January 11, Ukrainian Special Operations Forces conducted drone strikes on three Lukoil-operated drilling platforms in the Caspian Sea: the Vladimir Filanovsky, Yuri Korchagin, and Valery Grayfer platforms. These facilities are known to support Russian military operations. The extent of the damage is currently under assessment.
These developments highlight the ongoing escalation in drone warfare and strategic targeting of energy infrastructure in the conflict.
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