Exclusive Report: Russia intensifies Geran-2 kamikaze drone production with new mobile launcher on civilian all terrain vehicles.

According to a video published on YouTube on July 21, 2025, Russia has introduced a new mobile version of its Geran‑2 loitering munition by mounting the drone onto the rear flatbed of a civilian-style all-terrain vehicle. This adaptation marks a notable shift in tactical doctrine, enabling launch crews to deploy the drone rapidly from remote or rugged terrain with minimal infrastructure, thus increasing operational flexibility and survivability against preemptive strikes on static launch platforms.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

Russian-made Geran-2 loitering munition mounted on a modified all-terrain civilian vehicle for mobile launch operations. (Picture source: Screen Show Russian video report)

The modernized Geran‑2 features a new optical guidance system allowing remote operator control via mobile SIM cards, with a transition to Russian satellite Internet expected in the near future. The drones are now capable of networked operations and data exchange with other UAVs, including the larger Gerbera system, adding a new dimension of tactical coordination.

Technically, the drone weighs approximately 200 kg and is launched using a catapult assisted by a solid-fuel booster. It carries a high-explosive fragmentation warhead weighing up to 90 kg, capable of destroying medium to large infrastructure targets such as command centers, air defense radars, fuel storage depots, bridges, and fortified field positions. The destructive power of the warhead, combined with the drone’s loitering ability and terminal precision, allows it to inflict significant operational and psychological damage. The drone has an effective range of up to 2,000 km, cruises at speeds of up to 180 km/h, flies at altitudes reaching 4,000 meters, and can remain airborne for up to 12 hours. A 50 hp piston engine powers the platform, and its estimated unit cost is between 20,000 and 50,000 US dollars.

Russia continues to expand the production capacity of the Geran‑2 as part of its broader war strategy in Ukraine. This effort includes building new production lines, recruiting additional personnel, and scaling industrial output to support sustained drone operations. Despite repeated Western attempts to limit Russia’s access to critical technologies, the country has developed internal solutions and alternative supply chains that keep drone production uninterrupted and growing.

Every day, Russian forces conduct large-scale attacks on Ukrainian territory using swarms of Geran‑2 loitering munitions. These strikes often target military infrastructure, air defense systems, ammunition depots, and energy networks, overwhelming Ukrainian defenses and imposing constant pressure on logistics and command structures. The frequency and intensity of these attacks demonstrate the effectiveness and affordability of kamikaze drones in a high-tempo battlefield environment.

The war in Ukraine has dramatically intensified the operational role of loitering munitions on both sides. Russia and Ukraine now deploy these drones not only for precision strikes but also for reconnaissance, target designation, and electronic warfare. The Geran‑2 has become a key instrument in Russia’s campaign of long-range attrition, while Ukraine counters with a variety of its own domestically produced and Western-supplied loitering drones. This evolution highlights a broader shift in modern military doctrine where cost-effective, expendable UAVs are replacing traditional artillery in some roles and challenging legacy air defense systems with sheer volume and persistence.

Once again, Russia has demonstrated its capacity to produce large quantities of advanced military equipment despite sustained U.S. and European economic sanctions. The continued mass production of Geran‑2 drones, their integration into mobile launch platforms, and the consistent operational tempo of drone strikes all underscore the resilience and adaptability of Russia’s defense industrial base. This ability to maintain and scale military production under sanction pressure represents a significant factor in the ongoing balance of power on the Ukrainian battlefield.