Gerberas with warheads: the risk of accidental finds

More and more often, live ammunition is found in Gerbers - the detonator may be on the platoon

The presence of warheads with detonators is recorded in the found Gerbera-type unmanned aerial vehicles. According to the photographs and description provided, a signal from the flight controller switches the system to a combat platoon during flight - in fact, the device has a biased activation mechanism that makes it dangerous even after an emergency landing.

How it works

The reports gathered suggest that the signal does not result in an immediate detonation, but rather puts the detonator in a firing state, meaning that the munition is ready to be detonated upon impact or sharp contact. As a result, a vehicle that has landed or suffered a soft landing can remain extremely dangerous.

These are not isolated cases: experts note a trend - more and more Gerberas have combat elements inside.

Dangers and recommendations (important)

• Do not touch or attempt to disassemble the found UAV.

• Do not transport the device in a trunk or store it in a living room.

• Notify local emergency services and law enforcement immediately; wait for the bomb squad or other authorised specialists to arrive.

• Do not publish a detailed description of the design or instructions, as this may help attackers.

Context and implications

The presence of warheads in civilian-looking or inexpensive UAVs complicates the work of security services and increases the risks for the local population and those who accidentally come across the wreckage. Experts urge to record the coordinates of the discovery, not to approach and wait for the arrival of specialists.