New high-speed drones attack Kyiv: What is known about the «Geranium-3»

During one of the latest air raids on Kyiv, Russian occupying forces likely used a brand-new jet-powered unmanned aerial vehicle for the first time. Preliminary data suggests that this drone is a modification of the Iranian «Shahed,» but it may be a Russian version known as the «Geranium-3.» The use of this type of weapon explains the unusual whistling sound heard by residents of the capital during the attack.

This was reported by Defence Express, citing an analysis of fragments from the downed drone.

A new sound in the sky: evidence of a jet engine

Among the debris of the drone destroyed over Kyiv — visually similar to a «Shahed» — experts discovered a compact jet engine. It was this engine that produced the atypical noise unfamiliar to regular «Shaheds,» which alarmed Kyiv residents. Although the remains of the device were heavily fragmented, complicating exact identification, the discovered engine confirms that Russia has employed jet-powered technology.

In addition to the engine, an avionics unit was found at the crash site, which turned out to have common components with the original Shahed-136 design and its Russian version, the «Geranium-2.» This unit is responsible for loading flight missions and controlling the drone’s systems. This finding strongly suggests that the new jet-powered UAV is either an original Iranian Shahed-238 or a modified version assembled in Russia using Iranian components and programming systems.

Intelligence warnings and characteristics of the «Geranium-3»

As early as January 2024, reports emerged about the possible use of a jet-powered «Shahed» by Russia in strikes against Ukraine. However, at the time, the Air Force Command could not confirm this due to a lack of sufficient debris. This time, however, the presence of the engine and avionics block provides a clearer picture.

In February 2025, the Defence Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine had already warned about Russia establishing production of a jet-powered kamikaze drone analogous to the Shahed-238, called «Geranium-3.» According to the Defence Intelligence, this drone can reach speeds of 550–600 km/h, thanks to the Iranian compact jet engine Tolou-10/13 — an unlicensed copy of the Czech PBS TJ100.

Thus, the latest attack on Kyiv likely confirms Russia’s transition to using faster and more dangerous strike UAVs, posing new challenges for Ukraine’s air defense systems.