New, cheap Russian “Gerbera” drones are challenging NATO airspace and forcing defense upgrades.
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New types of Russian drones, specifically the Gerbera, have drawn attention from Polish and Romanian airspace reports since July 2024 during the war in Ukraine, and they are now appearing in NATO airspace. The Gerbera is a cheap combat drone designed to overload or deceive enemy air defense systems, testing defensive capabilities as seen with its entry into NATO airspace. Technically simple, it weighs a maximum of 18 kilograms, has a wingspan of 2.5 meters, and a top speed of 160 km/h, while boasting a range of up to 600 kilometers and a maximum altitude of 3000 meters. Its construction uses easily obtainable materials, significantly lowering production costs; Ukrainian intelligence estimates the Gerbera costs around $10,000, one-tenth the price of the Shahed-136. Propulsion is provided by an internal combustion engine in a pressure propeller, often using Chinese motors like the DLE60 or Canadian RCGF Stinger alternatives. The use of electronic components from various international manufacturers suggests complex supply chains and potential circumvention of sanctions. Gerbera can operate in three configurations: as a kamikaze drone with up to five kilograms of explosive payload (reducing range to about 300 km), as a reconnaissance drone equipped with a stabilized camera and network modem, or for other uses. A key feature is its networked capability, allowing drones to exchange data and act as aerial repeaters, making them more resilient to electronic warfare and enabling simultaneous control of multiple units by one operator. Ukrainian intelligence suggests the Gerbera is developed and assembled in Russia from components supplied by China’s Skywalker Technology under a specific contract. Since November 2024, similar decoy drones have been used to expose about half of Russian drones, a tactic Russia calls “false target operations.” Ukraine aims to launch thousands of these interceptor drones daily, which are significantly cheaper than Gerbera units and effective in countering Russian drone waves. Interest in Ukrainian interceptor drone technology is growing internationally, with inquiries coming from Poland, Germany, Denmark, and Baltic states. Currently, manufacturers are hesitant due to the high demand for interceptors within Ukraine and concerns about espionage related to export requests. The European Union is addressing these threats through initiatives like a proposed “drone alliance” with Ukraine, involving a €6 billion program, and advocating for an EU “drone wall” along its eastern flank, supported by real-time space and air surveillance programs. Furthermore, the EU is promoting greater integration between its defense industry and Ukrainian defense industries in areas like drones and AI.
