DONATE

Current News

Archives

Focus Areas

< Back

January 11, 2026

Institute for the Study of War: Russia fields new long-range attack drone

Institute for the Study of War

Russian forces are reportedly fielding a new Geran long-range strike drone variant, the Geran-5, a drone derived from an Iranian interceptor drone design. The Ukrainian Main Military Intelligence D irectorate (GUR) reported on January 11 that Russian forces used a new Geran-5 strike drone during combined air strikes against Ukraine sometime between January 1 and 11.[1] The GUR reported that the Geran-5 can carry a warhead of about 90 kilograms, has a stated range of about 1,000 kilometers, and has similar components and assembly to other Geran drones. Russia has likely opened a domestic production line for this new type of drone, enabled through an Iranian technology transfer. Russia produces its Geran drones at the Alabuga Special Economic Zone (ASEZ), though it is unclear where Russia could be producing the Geran-5.[2]  Russia likely intends to use the Geran-5 to strike aerial targets, rather than only ground targets, potentially augmenting Russian strike packages and air defense capabilities. The GUR reported that Russian forces are developing a way to launch Geran-5 drones from aircraft, including the Su-25 attack aircraft, and to equip the Geran-5s with R-73 air-to-air missiles. The GUR reported that the Geran-5 is based on the Iranian Karrar air-to-air drone, which can also be launched from fighter jets, is equipped with air-to-air missiles, and is part of Iran’s air defense umbrella.[3] Russian forces are increasingly modifying their Shahed/Geran-type drones to target the aerial aspects of Ukraine’s air defense umbrella interceptor drones and fighter jets — likely to augment the damage that Russian long-range strike series inflict on Ukraine amid continued Ukrainian air defense innovations.[4]

Ukrainian forces continued their long-range strike campaign against Russian oil infrastructure overnight on January 10 to 11. The Ukrainian General Staff and Ukrainian Special Operations Forces (SSO) reported on January 11 that Ukrainian drones struck the Lukoil drilling platforms in the Filanovsky, Graifer, and Korchagin oil fields in the Caspian Sea overnight and are still conducting a battle damage assessment.[5] Geolocated footage published on January 11 shows Ukrainian drones striking drilling platforms in the Filanovsky, Graifer, and Korchagin oil fields.[6] Ukrainian forces have struck oil infrastructure in the Caspian Sea at least five times since December 10, 2025.[7]

Key Takeaways

  1. Russian forces are reportedly fielding a new Geran long-range strike drone variant, the Geran-5, a drone derived from an Iranian interceptor drone design.
  2. Ukrainian forces continued their long-range strike campaign against Russian oil infrastructure overnight on January 10 to 11.
  3. Russian forces recently advanced in the Borova, Kostyantynivka-Druzhkivka, and Hulyaipole directions and in western Zaporizhia Oblast.
Share the Post:
Close

Wilson Center

Forced displacement represents one of the most pressing humanitarian issues of our time. Individuals and families, torn from the fabric of their communities, find themselves navigating a world of uncertainty, often without basic necessities or a clear path to safety. There are currently some 110 million forced displaced, and this number is growing by 10 million each year!

At the heart of this crisis are the political triggers. Armed conflicts, ethnic or religious persecutions, and systemic human rights abuses force millions to flee their homes in terror. Many are displaced within their own national boundaries, while others seek asylum abroad. If these factors change as a result of political shifts at home or the pressures from abroad, they can return to their homes. Forced displacement is thus different from environmentally driven displacement, as victims of climate change may never be able to return to their homes.

The ramifications of any sort of displacement are profound, not just for those directly affected, but also for host communities and countries. Overburdened infrastructures, socio-economic strains, and cultural tensions can arise, necessitating comprehensive strategies to foster harmony and integration. Yet the root causes of forced displacement can be remedied with a concerted focus by local players and international diplomacy.

Organizations like Refugees International play a crucial role in this arena, advocating for the rights and needs of the displaced, conducting on-the-ground assessments, and influencing policymakers to take informed actions. Their relentless work underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgency ofinternational cooperation. But they, too, are overwhelmed by the rapid expansion of the crisis.

International Humanitarian Law (IHL), with its core principles centered on the protection of civilians during conflicts, plays a pivotal role in this discourse. Yet, despite clear legal frameworks, compliance remains
inconsistent. This initiative emphasizes the importance of upholding and reinforcing these international standards.

It’s not just about recognizing the problem; it’s about active engagement. We urge governments, organizations, and individuals to prioritize the rights and needs of the forced displaced. Through collective efforts, informed policies, and sustained advocacy, we can shift the narrative from passive acknowledgment to proactive intervention.