Russia repurposes cheap Gerbera drone from decoy to multi-role combat asset

Russia has upgraded its low-cost Gerbera drone, converting it from a simple decoy into a platform capable of reconnaissance, communications relay and limited strike missions.

The Gerbera, a 2-metre fixed-wing drone introduced in mid-2024 to dilute Ukrainian air-defences, has been progressively refitted with a 12-element Kometa-M antenna and encrypted mesh-network radios, giving it greater resilience to electronic warfare. By February 2026 analysts observed the drone serving as a “mothership” for FPV aircraft, extending their strike range, while later that year it was seen carrying external fuel tanks to conduct signals-intelligence missions over Ukrainian territory before returning to Russia.

Equipped with seeker kits, Gerberas have also been used in direct attacks on gas stations, grain elevators and power facilities in Chernihiv Oblast, and were deployed alongside Molniya attack drones during a July 22 ground offensive in Donetsk Oblast, providing reconnaissance and communications support. Ukrainian forces reported many Gerberas being shot down, yet the Russian Ministry of Defence confirms continued use against cargo ships, power sites and drone launch points. The shift reflects Russia’s strategy of adapting inexpensive, modular platforms to meet diverse battlefield needs amid growing demand for its more capable Geran drones.