Geran-2 vs Geran-3
Geran-2 and Geran-3 should not be read as successive software versions of a single aircraft. Geran-2 is associated with Shahed-136-derived propeller systems, while Geran-3 is discussed as a jet-powered development with a different propulsion trade-off.
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Specifications side by side
| Specification | Geran-2 | Geran-3 |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Russian defense industry (Alabuga / IRGC Shahed derivative) | Russian defense industry / Alabuga production network |
| Country of origin | Russia | Russia |
| Mission role | Long-Range Infrastructure Strike / Area Saturation Attack | Deep Strike / Rapid Air-Defense Penetration |
| Year introduced | 2023 | 2025 |
| Length | 3.5 m | Approximately 3.5 m (reported) |
| Wingspan | 2.5 m | Approximately 3 m (reported) |
| Height | 0.5 m | Not publicly confirmed |
| Maximum speed | 185 km/h | Approximately 370–500 km/h (reported) |
| Published range | 2,500 km | Up to approximately 1,000 km (reported) |
| Endurance | 5 hr | Mission dependent |
| Service ceiling | 4,000 m | Up to approximately 9,000 m (reported) |
| Payload | 40 kg (warhead) | Estimated 50–90 kg warhead |
| Weight | 200 kg | Not publicly confirmed |
| Armament | 40 kg unitary fragmentation/blast warhead; one-way attack profile; GPS/INS navigation with possible terrain-following | Integral high-explosive or fragmentation warhead; exact configuration not publicly confirmed |
Figures below come from the linked DroneStrike profiles and retain their configuration qualifiers. Maximum speed, range, endurance and payload are separate published figures, not a single achievable mission configuration. Range is not necessarily combat radius or datalink reach. Missing information is not zero, and a larger figure does not establish combat effectiveness.
The comparison that matters
Public attribution and detailed configuration are less settled than the model numbers suggest. Keep a reported jet system's speed separate from Geran-2 range and warhead figures. Neither a new designation nor a high-speed claim demonstrates the same production maturity or mission effectiveness.
Understanding Geran-2
Geran-2 is the Russian designation associated with Shahed-136-derived one-way attack systems. Lineage is important, but local production changes and later configurations mean the labels do not guarantee identical components.
Treat production batches, navigation changes and warhead reports as configuration-specific evidence, not a universal upgrade applied to every airframe.
Understanding Geran-3
Geran-3 is discussed as a jet-powered one-way attack development. Its comparison value lies in propulsion and reported mission evolution rather than simply increasing the model number from Geran-2.
Attribution, detailed performance and links to particular Iranian designs should remain qualified where public evidence is incomplete.
How to read the specification table
The table compares the named Geran-2 and Geran-3 catalog records, not an artificial combination of every advertised upgrade. Values are reproduced with their existing units and qualifications. Where figures describe different missions or payload types, treat them as context rather than calculating an unsupported performance advantage.
A published maximum is not necessarily achievable alongside every other maximum. Endurance may change with equipment, flight or sea conditions and transit requirements; a range figure may describe a different constraint from datalink reach. Unknown specifications remain unknown. For development programs and limited-disclosure systems, an intended capability must stay distinct from a completed trial or operational service.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between Geran-2 and Geran-3?
Geran-2 and Geran-3 should not be read as successive software versions of a single aircraft. Geran-2 is associated with Shahed-136-derived propeller systems, while Geran-3 is discussed as a jet-powered development with a different propulsion trade-off.
Can the headline specifications establish a winner?
No. The mission, actual configuration, supported force and quality of evidence determine what the figures mean. Maximum speed, endurance and payload alone do not establish combat effectiveness, survivability or equal intelligence collection.
Where can I verify the versions and figures used here?
Follow the Geran-2 and Geran-3 profile links for full descriptions, timelines and any listed source references. This guide preserves the catalog's uncertainty labels rather than presenting unpublished or weakly sourced figures as independently verified facts.
Sources and further reading
- Geran-2: full catalog profile, timeline and source notes
- Geran-3: full catalog profile, timeline and source notes
Specifications are drawn from the linked catalog profiles. Source dates and aircraft configurations may differ; see the individual profiles for their timelines and qualifications.