Serhiy Beskrestnov, an electronic warfare expert and former advisor to Ukraine's minister of defense, shared a photo of the device, stating, "This is not a camera, but a sensor mounted in the wing, tasked with detonating the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) warhead upon approaching a target. They are present on Geran UAVs manufactured at the Izhevsk factory."

Russia's military news site Topwar reported on 2/8 that the laser rangefinder "will determine the distance between the UAV and the ground or target in real time, then activate the warhead at the optimal position." This method enables the UAV to detonate at an altitude sufficient for the shockwave and shrapnel to cover the target, without being so high that the explosive power is dispersed and its lethality reduced.

The rangefinder on the wreckage of a Russian Geran UAV in a photo released on 1/8. *Photo: Facebook/Serhyi Beskrestnov*

Russian media reported in 10/2025 that improved Geran-2 UAVs feature fragmentation warheads and a ranging system for airburst detonation. This enhances the aircraft's tactical effectiveness when targeting troop concentrations, unarmored vehicles, or objectives in trenches or lightly protected fortifications.

Austrian aviation expert Martin Rosenkranz commented in january, stating, "The Geran-2E variant carries an electro-optical equipment cluster, including a camera with an observation range of up to 15 km and target detection capability at 8 km. With infrared sensors, these values are 4 km and one km, respectively. The UAV also features a laser rangefinder with an operational range of 4 km."

Ukraine's military news site Militarnyi reported that Russia has also implemented several improvements on the Geran-4 "Siker" jet-powered UAV. These include a redesigned nose compartment to house electro-optical sensors and terminal guidance capabilities, allowing the aircraft to independently identify targets even if contact with the operator is lost.

Geran, Gebera, and Lancet UAVs attacking cargo ships in the Black Sea in a video released on 1/8. *Video: Russian Ministry of Defense*

The Geran-4 Siker also features a secondary forward-facing fixed camera. This device appears to provide operators with a broader view for target identification and detection of enemy interceptor drones during the final phase of an attack.

Nguyen Tien (*According to AFP, AP, Militarnyi, Top War*)