Gerber UAV: ​​A New Stage in the Development of Russia's Attack Drones

In modern armed conflicts, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have become an integral part of military strategy, providing a tactical and strategic advantage. Among these, the Russian multirole Gerbera UAV stands out—a compact drone that combines simple design, low production costs, and high effectiveness as a decoy, reconnaissance, or strike vehicle. Developed in response to the needs of the Special Military Operation (SMO) that began in February 2022, this UAV has become a key element of the tactic for saturation of enemy air defense systems. Despite its external similarity to some foreign counterparts, the Gerbera has been adapted to Russian operating conditions, allowing it to occupy a unique niche in the arsenal of modern armed forces. This article examines the history of its development, design features, technical specifications, combat use, and the significance of the Gerbera in the context of the evolution of military technology.

Background and creation

The Gerbera project emerged in early 2024 as a response to the need for low-cost means of simulating the signatures of larger UAVs and cruise missiles. The first mentions of the Gerbera appeared in July 2024, when the wreckage of a drone with a distinctive foam and plywood structure was discovered in the Kyiv region during a massive attack. This event marked the debut of the device, developed under strict secrecy as part of the tactical unmanned systems program. Production was established in the Alabuga Special Economic Zone in Tatarstan, where serial production was launched by the fall of 2024 using Chinese components from Skywalker Technology Co., Ltd., adapted to Russian requirements. Localization of key components—from engines to navigation systems—made it possible to minimize dependence on imports and integrate elements of protection against electronic warfare (EW).

By 2025, the Gerbera had undergone a series of upgrades that expanded its functionality. In February of that year, a version with a 2,5 kg warhead, designed to defeat frontline anti-aircraft systems, was released. The introduction of 12-channel Kometa CRP antennas increased jamming resistance, and the addition of cameras for detecting interceptors made the drone more survivable. As of October 2025, production capacity reached thousands of units per month, making the Gerbera one of the most widely produced UAVs in the Russian arsenal. Simultaneously, development is underway on versions with artificial intelligence elements for swarm behavior and increased range, opening up new possibilities for its use in hybrid scenarios. These improvements, based on combat testing experience, have transformed the initially simple decoy into a versatile tactical operational tool.

Design and specifications

The Gerbera's design embodies the principle of maximum cost-effectiveness and simplicity, achieving efficiency through affordable materials and a minimalist design. The aircraft features a wide delta wing with a span of approximately 2,5 meters and a fuselage length of approximately 2 meters. The airframe is made of foam, plywood, and composite materials, ensuring a lightweight (the empty weight of the UAV is approximately 10 kg) and low radar signature. This design not only simplifies production but also allows for the transport of drones in large quantities: they are compact and can be stored in standard containers on trucks or in the field. The angular shape mimics the signature of larger UAVs, enhancing its role as a decoy.

The Gerbera's heart is a compact piston engine producing 5-7 hp, similar to the Stinger 70CC or Chinese prototypes, running on gasoline or a blend of gasoline and gasoline. It provides a cruising speed of 120-140 km/h and a maximum speed of up to 160 km/h. Its unladen range reaches 300-600 km, making it ideal for medium-range tactical raids. The distinctive engine hum is a trade-off for its low cost: the noise facilitates acoustic detection, but during large-scale attacks, it distracts air defenses. The control system combines inertial navigation with GPS/GLONASS correction and mesh networks for data transmission (for example, the XK-F358 modem). The 2025 modifications add cameras to detect threats from behind and above, as well as Kometa CRP antennas for protection against electronic warfare.

The warhead, integrated into the nose or center section, weighs up to 5–10 kg and can carry high-explosive fragmentation or engineered warheads. In its basic version, the drone is used unloaded as a decoy, but upgrades allow it to be used as a kamikaze. Launch is performed from mobile launchers mounted on a vehicle chassis or hand-held catapults, with preparation required in 5–10 minutes.

Specifications:

• Fuselage length: 2 m
• Wingspan: 2,5 m
• Take-off weight: 10–18 kg
• Warhead weight: up to 5–10 kg
• Flight range: 300–600 km
• Cruising speed: 120–140 km/h
• Maximum speed: 160 km / h
• Flight altitude: 50–3000 m
• Engine: piston, 5–7 hp
• Navigation: GPS/GLONASS + inertial, mesh networks
• Unit cost: $3-$5

These characteristics highlight the Gerbera's versatility: its low cost allows it to launch hundreds of aircraft in a single wave, overloading air defenses, while its compact size and variability provide flexibility in reconnaissance and strike missions.

Combat application

The Gerbera's baptism of fire took place in July 2024 during a massive attack on the Kyiv region, where the drones successfully mimicked the signatures of larger UAVs, distracting air defenses. Since then, its deployment tactics have evolved from pure decoys to combined swarm operations. As of October 2025, up to 200–300 Gerberas are launched during night attacks, along with other weapons, depleting enemy resources: it is estimated that approximately 50% of all drones launched in 2024–2025 are imitators like the Gerbera.

The main objectives were to saturate the air defense system, reconnoiter the positions of anti-aircraft systems, and adjust strikes. In 2024, drones were used to simulate Geranium-2 UAV, forcing them to waste expensive missiles on dummies. The 2025 modifications, equipped with a warhead, made it possible to destroy radars and mobile air defense groups of the first line, facilitating the breakthrough of the main forces. For example, in February 2025, combined attacks with Gerberas paralyzed several defense sectors, destroying warehouses and command posts. Analysts estimate that the effectiveness of breakthroughs increased by 40% thanks to such tactics. Between July and September 2025, incidents of Gerberas penetrating Lithuanian and Polish airspace were recorded, sparking an international outcry, although Russia denied the accusations.

In addition to the air defense system, the Gerbera is used in exercises to practice air defense saturation scenarios and swarm attacks. Its weaknesses include low resistance to electronic warfare, dependence on radio communications, and limited range with payload, making the drone vulnerable to FPV interceptors. However, its mass production compensates for these weaknesses: shooting down a single Gerbera costs the enemy dozens of times its cost. In 2025, versions with evasive cameras were introduced, increasing survivability by 20-30%.

Meaning and Legacy

The Gerbera has changed the paradigm of modern air defense, proving that affordable, multi-role UAVs can become "killers" for expensive air defense systems like the Patriot or NASAMS. Its cost-effectiveness—costing between $3 and $5 versus hundreds of thousands for an interceptor missile—makes it an ideal tool for asymmetric warfare. Massive deployment overloads defenses by providing intelligence and creating windows for breakthroughs, which is especially important in the face of a shortage of precision-guided weapons.

The Gerbera's significance extends beyond the military: it became the basis for the development of similar systems, including versions with AI for autonomous swarm behavior and integration into communication networks. Plans for 2026 include exports and licensed production for allies, strengthening Russia's market position. Its legacy lies in the transformation of military affairs: the device demonstrated that simplicity and mass production trump complexity, emphasizing the role of innovation in a sanctions-ridden environment.