Ukrainian experts defuse Russian drone threat in Kyiv region
In Boryspil, located in the Kyiv region, Ukrainian EOD specialists successfully disarmed a Russian Geran-2 drone that was armed with explosives. Due to its combat payload, the unmanned aerial vehicle posed a public safety threat, necessitating swift and efficient action by Ukrainians.
A mobile unit of the Ukrainian State Emergency Service identified the Russian Geran-2 drone in Boryspil, secured it, transported it to a designated location, and then neutralised it, according to the military-focused service Defence Express. Armed drones of this type pose a serious threat to civilian and military security, particularly as Russians are deploying a significant number of them towards Ukraine. Experts have determined that in November, approximately 80 Geran-2 kamikaze drones appeared over Ukraine each day.
Ukrainian EOD specialists have a lot on their plate
Geran-2 unmanned aerial vehicles, which are essentially Iranian-made Shahed-136 drones, present a considerable challenge to Ukrainian air defence. They are designed as cost-effective means of attacking ground targets. Their primary objective is to destroy key infrastructure or military targets through direct impact with a large explosive force.
Shahed-136s are notable for their simple construction and relatively low production costs. Their unit price is estimated at about $20,000 (€19,300). These devices, built in a delta-wing configuration, are roughly 3 metres long, have a wingspan of around 2.5 metres, and their warhead can weigh up to about 40 kilograms. The drones are powered by a Limbach L550E engine and can reach a maximum speed of roughly 185 kilometres per hour.
The Geran-2 guidance system is relatively simple, considering they are single-use machines. They utilise GPS navigation and autopilot to maintain a designated course. These drones are also equipped with technologies that help them evade detection by air defence systems. Their relatively quiet engine and small size make early detection and neutralisation challenging. Despite these advantages, Shahed-136s have certain drawbacks, such as limited attack precision under GPS jamming conditions and susceptibility to interception by modern air defence systems.
