Russia's cheap Geran 2 drone hits Galati, designed to overwhelm air defenses

The drone that crashed into an apartment building in Galati, Romania, was identified as a Russian Geran 2, a model widely used in the conflict in Ukraine. Fortunately, the incident did not result in loss of life, though it caused damage and sent two people to the hospital.

The Romanian Ministry of National Defense confirmed the drone's type and origin. "From initial information, it appears that the entire payload of the Geran 2 drone, of Russian origin, exploded upon impact," officials stated. "The two injured individuals were transported to the County Emergency Clinical Hospital in Galati. Citizens are urged to follow official recommendations."

The Geran 2 is essentially Russia's designation for the Iranian Shahed-136 kamikaze drone. These drones are noted for their low cost, starting around 20,000 euros, and a significant operational range exceeding 1,000 kilometers. Their primary tactic involves saturation attacks, where hundreds are launched in swarms to overwhelm enemy air defenses, targeting military, infrastructure, and energy facilities.

Russia has been using these Iranian-made drones and their domestic copies extensively since the autumn of 2022. Despite Russia's military industry shifting to wartime production in late 2022, the adaptation of its own drone designs has faced delays, partly due to Western sanctions affecting the supply of engines and electronic components. Ukraine's military intelligence reports suggest Russia is developing more advanced versions, including a jet-powered Geran-4, in response to improved interceptor drone technology.

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From initial information, it appears that the entire payload of the Geran 2 drone, of Russian origin, exploded upon impact. The two injured individuals were transported to the County Emergency Clinical Hospital in Galati. Citizens are urged to follow official recommendations.