The Russian military has a new version of the dual-purpose Geran-2 strike drone at its disposal. Apparently, the drone received not only a standard warhead for attacking ground targets, but also a Verba man-portable air defense system (MANPADS) designed to protect against interceptors.
The anti-aircraft missile is immediately installed in the cocked state - the trigger mechanism is fixed, and the launch is carried out automatically after target acquisition.
In the nose of the “Geran” is a wide-angle course camera, in the tail - a modem for communication with the operator. Upon detecting a target, the operator activates the missile's self-guidance, turns on the cooling of the thermal matrix, and opens the lid of the transport and launch container. After capture, the missile launches without additional command.
At the same time, the “Geran-2” retains its previous capabilities. It is equipped with a jam-resistant satellite guidance system “Comet”, as well as a thermobaric warhead weighing about 50 kg. Presumably, after hitting the interceptor, the UAV continues its flight and attacks the ground target.
Previously, “Gerans” werespotted with Igla-S MANPADS. However, this is not about mass equipment, but only for performing specific tasks.
Also, the Geran-2 kamikaze drones have been improved again for more effective combat missions. A photo of a drone with an infrared spotlight has appeared on the Web to blind the sensors of anti-aircraft FPV interceptors.