Russia deploys new high-speed Geran-5 drones amid claims of western parts

Kyiv's military intelligence and reporting say Russia has begun using Geran-5 high-speed attack drones, and recovered wreckage is reported to include parts from western and Chinese firms.

Russia has begun using a new model of high-speed Geran-5 attack drones against Ukraine, according to reporting and statements from Kyiv's military intelligence. Recovered wreckage from an early January strike is reported to show new capabilities and components alleged to come from western and Chinese firms. Local reports say two of these drones have been shot down this year, one near Kyiv and another near Dnipro. Officials and analysts cited in the reporting say the emergence of this model could affect Ukraine's air-defence efforts. Key points: - Reports indicate Russia has deployed Geran-5 long-range attack drones and wreckage was recovered in early January. - Kyiv's military intelligence announced that some components appear to come from western and Chinese companies, and microchips were reported to resemble US-made parts. - Local reporting states two Geran-5 drones were shot down this year, near Kyiv and near Dnipro. - Experts and officials cited in the coverage say the new drones may present an increased challenge to Ukraine's air defences as emphasis shifts toward technological upgrades. Summary: Reported deployment of Geran-5 drones and claims about their components have raised concerns about the evolving nature of aerial threats faced by Ukraine. Officials and analysts say the new model's features could complicate existing air-defence efforts. Undetermined at this time.