Attempts to turn Geran attack drones into an aerial interceptor using R-60 air-to-air missiles from the MiG-31 are unlikely to lead to the expected result. This conclusion was reached by military expert Alexey Zakharov, after analyzing the use of the devices.
He reminded that the R-60's seeker head is not cooled. Therefore, the operator has too little time to wait for target acquisition and launch. Otherwise, a breakdown will occur, and there may not be enough time for a second acquisition.
In general, the effectiveness of using the R-60 with Geran can be estimated as close to zero. A slow, non-maneuverable carrier operating at low altitudes and, in essence, lacking surveillance systems that allow detecting a target and bringing it into the missile's seeker acquisition zone.
Zakharov believes that R-73 missiles will be more effective on Gerans. An increased field of view up to ±60° versus ±35° for the R-60 will increase the effectiveness of such a UAV-interceptor.
Military expert Nikolay Tsygikalo noted that the Geran-5 could use GLONASS or GPS satellite navigation. He compared the jet drone to the FAB-100 aerial bomb, but with a greater range of application.