A Russian attack drone of the «Shahed Seeker» variant can automatically lock onto targets at a range of approximately 5–10 km in favourable weather conditions, according to Ukrainian military expert Serhiy «Flash» Beskrestnov. Once a target has been identified and locked on to, the drone is capable of continuing its final approach without constant operator control.
Briefly about the main points
- A drone can detect small or isolated objects from a distance of approximately 5–6 km.
- The system is capable of detecting large structures from a distance of approximately 10 km.
- «The »Siker« is a variant of the »Geran’ family of drones, rather than a separate type of UAV.
- Cameras and a MESH modem can be fitted to the «Gerani-4 Seeker» jet.
- Automatic tracking does not mean that the target is selected entirely autonomously.
The distance depends on the size of the object and visibility
According to Beskrestnova, the system’s operational range is determined by weather conditions, visibility and the nature of the target. A locomotive or an individual building amongst other structures are examples of targets that a drone can capture from a distance of approximately 5–6 km.
The system can detect larger objects, such as large-scale warehouses and other large structures, from a greater distance — around 10 km. This refers specifically to the ability to automatically lock onto a target for subsequent tracking, rather than a universal operating range under all conditions.
«Siker» is a variant of the various versions of «Gerani»
«Siker» is not a separate type of drone: it is the name given to a variant of the strike drones in the «Geranium», whose equipment can be fitted to various versions of the aircraft. Recently, there have been reports of the «Gerani-4 Seeker» missile being deployed.
Such drones may be equipped with several cameras and a MESH modem, which enables communication with the operator. Beskrestnov had previously also reported on a thermal imaging camera, optical zoom and additional digital zoom, which help to detect large objects several kilometres away.
In the public «Gerani-4» component catalogue, the Main Directorate for Intelligence (GUR) listed a camera, a MESH modem, a network switch, a GNSS receiver and a satellite navigation protection system. The list of components confirms the presence of video communication, data transmission and navigation capabilities, but does not in itself specify the target acquisition parameters.
Acquiring a target does not mean the drone is fully autonomous
The system operates as follows: the operator identifies the target, and the system locks onto it. In the final stage, the drone can navigate to the target automatically, so continuous manual control may not be necessary at this point.
Beskrestnov emphasised that automatic recognition and tracking should be distinguished from the fully autonomous selection and engagement of a target. The specific capabilities of individual Russian variants require analysis of captured samples.
The «Gerani» jet aircraft were spotted at an altitude of up to around 7 km
Russia is also using jet-powered strike UAVs with satellite navigation, online control capabilities and advanced cameras. According to Defense Express, during certain attacks, the «Geran-4» and «Geran-5» flew at a cruising altitude of over 5 km, and in some cases at an altitude of approximately 7 km.
The Main Intelligence Directorate described the deployment of the «Gerani-4» as Russia’s response to the effectiveness of Ukrainian interceptor drones. The flight altitude of these jet aircraft may complicate the deployment of interceptor drones and certain specialised anti-drone measures.
