Russian Geran-2 drones equipped with air-to-air missiles

Russian Geran-2 drones have been modified to carry missiles, marking a notable development in Moscow’s drone capabilities,

“Today, Russia for the first time deployed a strike-capable Geran-2 equipped with an R-60 air-to-air missile,” the Russian Telegram channel reports.

The R-60 missile, weighing approximately 45 kilograms, is designed for engaging enemy aircraft during aerial combat. The integration of air-to-air weaponry onto unmanned platforms represents a significant expansion of the drone’s operational role, potentially allowing it to engage not only ground targets but also airborne threats.

Ukrainian officials believe Russia hopes to down Ukrainian helicopters and low-flying aircraft by turning a slow, inexpensive suicide drone into a crude airborne missile carrier—a tactic not previously documented in the war.

The R-60 missile, originally designed for Soviet fighter jets, is a short-range infrared weapon, typically used to hit helicopters, transport aircraft, or slow aerial targets.

By Vafa Guliyeva