Reports indicate that Russian-made Guran-4 jet-powered suicide drones have reached the Rivne region of western Ukraine for the first time, after successfully traveling a distance of approximately 850 kilometers.
Military expert and air defense historian Yuri Knutov, in an interview with the Russian website MK.ru, believes that this could be the beginning of a new phase in the special military operation, aimed at the strict disarmament of the western regions of Ukraine.
Official Ukrainian military reports previously claimed to have destroyed 90% of Russia's slow-moving Guran-2 drones. However, the effectiveness of Ukrainian air defenses has significantly decreased against the jet-powered Guran-4 variant, with experts estimating its interception rate at only 10-25%.
It is worth noting that a number of military experts had previously indicated that after Russia imposed a blockade on Ukrainian ports in the Black Sea, it would begin launching strikes on supply lines in western Ukraine, which the Ukrainian side is trying to use as an alternative to the sea route.
Knutov believes that the main task of the "Guran-4" drones will be to destroy the military-industrial complex not only in Kyiv but also in the rear lines of the Ukrainian forces.
Knutov stated, "It is well known that all defense facilities are located in Kyiv and western Ukraine. Drones, in particular, are assembled in western Ukraine." The expert added that there are between seven and nine such factories in that region, noting that Russian forces will work to locate and target these facilities. He emphasized that the more strikes are carried out against them, the fewer attempts Ukrainian drones will make to attack Russian territory.
The Geran-4 is a Russian kamikaze drone powered by a jet (turbine) engine.It is considered an advanced development of the "Gheran" drone series, based on the Iranian "Shahed" design, and represents a qualitative leap in the speed and ability of these drones to penetrate air defenses..
Wing size: approximately 3 - 3.05 meters
Maximum takeoff weight: approximately 450 kg:
Engine: 160 kg thrust turbojet, or 200 kg thrust Telefly TF-TJ2000A
Maximum speed: up to 500 km/h
Cruising speed: 300 - 400 km/h
Flight ceiling: 5000 meters
The combat range reaches 450 km in the basic version.Cases have been recorded exceeding 850-900 km
Combat payload: A warhead weighing 50 kg (fragmentation/thermoplastic) or 90 kg (thermoplastic amplified)
New reinforced structure : Designed specifically for high-speed flight and maneuvering under heavy G-loads, unlike previous versions which relied on the less rigid "Gueran-2" structure..
Triangular wing : Features an improved aerodynamic design to reduce drag and increase stability..
Maneuverability : It can perform high-powered maneuvers and sharp changes of course at angular speeds of up to 40 degrees/second..
Optical guidance : Some versions are equipped with an electro-optical guidance system in the nose of the aircraft, allowing it to identify and automatically acquire the target even if radio communication is lost in the final stage of the attack..
Anti-jamming navigation systems : Equipped with the "Cometa-M" navigation system designed to operate in electronic warfare environments..
Beginning of use : The first combat use of the "Giran-4" drones was documented in early May 2026.
Objective : Designed to strike deep targets behind enemy lines, particularly military-industrial facilities and logistical infrastructure in western Ukraine, which were beyond the reach of slower versions..
Effectiveness against air defenses : Its high speed makes it more difficult to intercept compared to slower helicopter versions, significantly reducing the effectiveness of Ukrainian air defense systems and interceptor drones..
Deployment : It is estimated that Russia produces approximately 3,000 Guran-4 and Guran-5 drones per month.With plans to increase the share of jet drones in attacks to 50%.
