Russia equips low-cost turbojet drones with cruise-missile navigation to evade Ukrainian jamming

Ukraine’s defense intelligence directorate reported the discovery of a compact optical device named Susanin, which provides Russian long-range drones with autonomous navigation that does not rely on GPS or radio links. The module stores satellite imagery of Ukrainian terrain and uses a downward-looking camera to compare real-time views with the stored pictures, allowing the drone to determine its position and follow a pre-programmed route.

Moscow has started installing Susanin on its turbojet Geran-4 and Geran-5 drones, which fly at speeds of 280 mph or more and are being deployed in increasing numbers. The guidance concept mirrors that of cruise missiles such as the Tomahawk and Russia’s Kh-101, yet the drones cost a fraction of those weapons, roughly $50,000-$115,000 each. Ukraine can currently only counter the threat by destroying the drones with kinetic force or expending expensive anti-air missiles, and may explore ways to blind the camera, though cloud cover and altitude constraints limit effectiveness. Experts note the system is suited for attacks on fixed targets, aligning with Russia’s strategy of mass drone strikes to overwhelm Ukrainian air defenses.