Geran-4 Seeker

History

The Geran-4 Seeker is a Russian jet-powered one-way attack unmanned aerial vehicle. It is a Geran-4 variant with a redesigned nose containing an electro-optical sensor for terminal guidance.

The Seeker combines the reinforced Geran-4 airframe with optical equipment intended to improve accuracy against selected targets. Published photographs and recovered components also show an auxiliary panoramic camera.

Russian forces began using the baseline Geran-4 in May 2026. The optically guided Seeker configuration was documented later in 2026 and was reported in connection with attacks against Ukrainian infrastructure and shipping.

According to Ukrainian Defence Intelligence, preparations for Geran-4 serial production were completed by January 2026. Test launches reportedly took place from facilities in Oryol Oblast and at the former Donetsk airport. The design was developed after the Geran-3, which placed a turbojet on an airframe derived from the piston-powered Geran-2. Ukrainian intelligence assessed that this earlier structure was insufficient for sustained high-speed maneuvering.

The first documented combat use of the baseline Geran-4 occurred in early May 2026. One aircraft was filmed by a Ukrainian interceptor on 3 May. Ukraine subsequently published a component analysis and a three-dimensional model of the type. The aircraft and its components were also described by Janes.

Photographs released during July and August 2026 revealed the Geran-4 Seeker configuration. Analysis by Militarnyi identified a revised nose, a compact electro-optical module, and a separate forward-facing panoramic camera. Recovered equipment provided additional evidence that the optical system had progressed beyond a proposal and had entered operational use.

Design

Airframe

The Geran-4 uses a purpose-built jet airframe with improved aerodynamics and a reinforced structure. Its wings are integrated with the center section rather than being detachable. The number of access hatches was reduced, reportedly to decrease aerodynamic drag and increase structural stiffness.

Published measurements vary slightly. Ukrainian sources give a length of approximately 3.5 to 3.6 m and a wingspan of approximately 3.0 to 3.05 m. Maximum takeoff weight is reported as up to 450 kg. The reinforced airframe permits maneuvering at approximately 300–400 km/h and is intended to withstand higher loads than the earlier Geran-3 structure.

Propulsion

Observed Geran-4 aircraft have used two Chinese turbojet types. The Telefly LX-WP-160 produces approximately 1,600 N of thrust, while the TF-TJ2000A produces approximately 1,960 N. The latter engine has also been identified in the Geran-5. Available reporting does not establish whether engine selection defines separate Seeker subvariants.

Guidance and electronics

The Seeker has a redesigned nose containing a compact electro-optical guidance module. The system is reported to provide terminal target acquisition and guidance during the final dive. This may allow the aircraft to continue guiding toward an acquired target after losing its communications link, although the precise level of onboard autonomy has not been independently demonstrated.

A fixed Dahua TiOC dual-lens panoramic camera with a reported 180-degree field of view has also been identified. Analysts assess that it may provide wide-area observation and initial target-area awareness. A proposed secondary function is the detection of interceptor drones, but this has not been confirmed.

The wider Geran-4 control system is reported to share components with earlier aircraft produced at the Alabuga Special Economic Zone. Identified equipment includes a 16-element controlled-reception-pattern antenna and a Unicore UC9810 satellite-navigation receiver. Investigators have documented electronic components originating from several countries. A detailed component inventory was published by Militarnyi.

Warhead

The Seeker is commonly reported with a 50 kg warhead. The broader Geran-4 family can carry 50 kg high-explosive fragmentation or thermobaric warheads. Ukrainian intelligence also identified a 90 kg thermobaric option for the baseline aircraft, but available evidence does not establish the normal range or flight performance of a Seeker carrying this heavier warhead.

Operational history

During the Geran-4 combat debut in May 2026, Ukraine's 1020th Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment reportedly destroyed one aircraft with a STING interceptor UAV. The engagement demonstrated that interception was possible, although the Geran-4's jet speed makes pursuit more difficult for interceptors designed for slower piston-powered attack drones.

Russian forces were reported to have used Geran-4 Seeker aircraft during attacks against Ukrainian port infrastructure and civilian vessels in the Black Sea during July 2026. Russian video material attributed several attacks to the Seeker, but independent confirmation of the weapon type used in each incident remains limited.

The Geran-4 family has also been associated with attacks on railway infrastructure and other selected targets. Its combination of higher speed and terminal guidance is intended for targets that are more difficult to engage with slower Geran variants. Public evidence does not provide a reliable total for Seeker production or combat use.

Variants

• Geran-4: Baseline jet-powered one-way attack UAV with a reinforced airframe. It entered documented combat use in May 2026.
• Geran-4 Seeker: Optically guided configuration with a redesigned nose, electro-optical terminal sensor, and auxiliary panoramic camera. It was documented in operational use during 2026.

Operators

• Russia: Operated by Russian forces in attacks against Ukraine since 2026. The number of Geran-4 Seeker aircraft in service is not publicly established.

Specifications (Geran-4 Seeker)

General characteristics

• Type: Jet-powered one-way attack unmanned aerial vehicle
• Length: Approximately 3.5–3.6 m
• Wingspan: Approximately 3.0–3.05 m
• Maximum takeoff weight: Up to 450 kg
• Powerplant: One Telefly LX-WP-160 or TF-TJ2000A turbojet
• Engine thrust: Approximately 1,600 N with the LX-WP-160 or 1,960 N with the TF-TJ2000A

Performance

• Reported cruising speed: Approximately 300 km/h
• High-speed maneuvering range: Approximately 300–400 km/h
• Maximum speed: Up to 500 km/h
• Maximum altitude: Up to 5,000 m
• Reported Seeker range: Up to 550 km

Guidance and payload

• Terminal guidance: Electro-optical sensor in the nose
• Auxiliary camera: Dahua TiOC dual-lens panoramic camera with a reported 180-degree field of view
• Warhead: Approximately 50 kg