Russia’s Upgraded Killer Drone Crosses Into Poland as 12 Foreign Suppliers Keep It Flying
Russia has upgraded its cheap Gerbera drone with new anti-jam antennas, a camera to spot interceptors, and enough range to cross Ukraine’s borders — and one armed unit has already turned up on Poland’s coast.
Russia has upgraded its disposable Gerbera drone with anti-jam antennas, a camera to spot interceptors, and enough range to cross Ukraine’s borders, and one drone carrying a warhead has already been found on Poland’s coast [277455]. Eight Chinese and four US manufacturers supply parts for the improved model, according to the reporting [277455].
The upgrade marks a step change for a cheap, expendable weapon. The new antennas are designed to keep the drone working even when electronic warfare tries to cut its signal, while the onboard camera lets it spot the interceptors sent to shoot it down [277455]. With extended range, the drone can now reach beyond Ukraine’s borders — a capability already demonstrated by the armed unit recovered in Poland [277455].
The find puts a Russian weapon, built with foreign components, directly on NATO territory. It also shows how quickly disposable drones are being turned into longer-range, harder-to-stop systems.