Russian drone “Gerbera-2”: a cheap weapon for exhausting Ukraine’s air defenses

The Russian drone “Gerbera-2” attracted attention in Ukraine after the enemy discovered a downed unit and filmed it on video, comparing it to a spacecraft.

Military expert Yuri Knutov, in a comment for aif.ru, described the features of the updated model.

According to Knutov, the new version of the drone is distinguished by its increased dimensions: the wings are equipped with elevons, the fuel tank holds 63 liters, and the warhead has been significantly reinforced compared to the previous modification.

The expert explained the logic of using the “Gerbera” in tandem with the “Geran” drone: originally, the “Gerbera” was created as a decoy drone designed to exhaust the enemy’s air defenses so that “Gerans” could then pass through unimpeded. On radar, both types of drones look absolutely identical, which allows the enemy to be misled.

“Given that ‘Gerberas’ also periodically broke through and reached their targets, a decision was made to increase their warhead and also to improve the guidance system,” Knutov explained.

The expert separately drew attention to the low production cost of the “Gerbera” alongside its ability to cause significant damage if it penetrates air defenses.

“The increase in the fuel tank itself and in the amount of explosive material indicates that these drones will most likely also be used against remote areas in western Ukraine. I believe that the updated ‘Gerberas’ will also be used primarily to exhaust Ukraine’s air defenses and allow ‘Gerans’ to calmly reach their targets and strike them. But at the same time, ‘Gerberas’ are also capable of hitting targets. They can strike concentrations of equipment, personnel, air defense assets, fuel and energy infrastructure facilities, logistics, including diesel locomotives, and even port facilities, dry cargo vessels, and so on,” he said.

Previously, the same expert Yuri Knutov explained how Russian decoy missiles force the Ukrainian Armed Forces to intercept them with costly munitions while still reaching their targets.