Russia Relies on U.S., European, and Chinese Components for Gerbera Drones

The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU) has revealed that Russia is manufacturing Gerbera drones using foreign components sourced from China, the United States, and Europe.

These drones, produced in Yelabuga, Tatarstan, are modeled after the Iranian Shahed-136/Geran-2 and are extensively used to overwhelm Ukrainian air defense systems.

Investigations showed that Gerbera drones are built using inexpensive materials like plywood and foam, making them ten times cheaper than the Shahed-136. Despite their low cost, the drones are versatile and can perform multiple functions. Some variants are equipped for aerial reconnaissance or targeted attacks, featuring a Chinese Topotek KHY10S90 gimbal system, a Xingkai Tech Mesh Network XK-F358 modem, and combat units, allowing them to operate like FPV drones.

The DIU stated that the Gerbera drones are based on a Chinese prototype developed by Skywalker Technology Co., Ltd., which supplies fuselages and organizes kit deliveries to Russia. These drones are powered by the DLE60 engine, produced by Mile Hao Xiang Technology Co., Ltd., a Chinese manufacturer sanctioned by the U.S. in 2024 for its role in supplying products to Russia.

Analysis of downed Gerbera UAVs revealed the integration of foreign electronic components manufactured by companies such as Analog Devices and Texas Instruments in the U.S., NXP Semiconductors in the Netherlands, STMicroelectronics and U-Blox in Switzerland, and XLSEMI in China. These components are used in critical systems like the Controlled Reception Pattern Antenna (CRPA) and universal flight controllers, enhancing the drones’ functionality.

The DIU highlighted that Russia relies on third-party companies to acquire foreign components, circumventing sanctions. This reliance on international electronics underscores the complexity of restricting the supply of technology to conflict zones, with firms from various countries indirectly contributing to Russia’s drone manufacturing capabilities.