Pickup truck serves as a launch platform for Russia’s Geran-2 drone

Recently, distinctive video footage emerged on social media, allegedly depicting the launch of a Russian long-range OWA-Shahed-136/Geran-2 drone from a moving pickup truck, followed by its impact on a target in Ukraine.

The video, which does not provide a clear timestamp or verified source, has ignited conversations among military analysts and observers regarding the changing tactics in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

The footage shows a drone taking off from a makeshift platform on the back of a vehicle traveling along an unspecified road, providing a rare insight into the potential deployment of such weapons in real-time combat situations.

Although the video’s authenticity has not been confirmed by official sources, its release prompts inquiries about adaptability, improvisation, and the future of drone warfare in the area.

The Shahed-136, initially developed by Iran and modified by Russia under the name Geran-2, has become a significant asset in Moscow’s military strategy since its introduction into the conflict, frequently targeting Ukrainian infrastructure and military sites.

The method of launching a Shahed-136 drone from a moving pickup truck, as shown in the footage, marks a significant departure from its conventional deployment techniques. Traditionally, these drones are launched in groups from stationary racks, a system designed for ease of use and mass production.

According to specifications from military research organizations, including the Royal United Services Institute, the Shahed-136 is a loitering munition featuring a delta-wing design, approximately 11 feet long with a wingspan of around 8 feet. It carries a warhead weighing between 66 and 110 pounds and has an operational range estimated to be between 600 and 1,500 miles, depending on modifications.

The portability of the system has been a notable characteristic, featuring launch frames that can be affixed to military or commercial trucks. However, recent video footage indicates a new advancement: a mobile launch platform that can function while in motion, potentially enhancing its operational flexibility and unpredictability.

Military analysts have observed that the design of the Shahed-136 facilitates this level of adaptability. Weighing around 440 pounds and utilizing a simple propulsion system—often compared to a lawnmower engine due to its unique sound—this drone can be launched from various platforms.

A report from the Institute for Science and International Security emphasizes that the drone’s assembly and launch mechanism is deliberately basic, enabling quick deployment in a range of environments. The video shows what appears to be a standard pickup truck, likely modified with a metal frame to ensure the drone’s stability during launch.

The vehicle’s movement does not seem to impede the drone’s takeoff, indicating that operators have optimized the launch process to accommodate both speed and stability.

Although there has been no official confirmation from Russian or Ukrainian officials regarding the widespread adoption of this method, the video corresponds with reports of Russia’s growing dependence on the Geran-2, with production increasing at sites such as the Alabuga Special Economic Zone in Tatarstan.

The transition to a mobile launch platform highlights a significant trend towards flexibility in Russia’s drone operations. Analysts indicate that this strategy may hinder Ukrainian forces’ ability to detect and intercept these drones. While fixed launch sites can be effective, they are susceptible to satellite monitoring and preemptive attacks.

In contrast, a mobile platform reduces the targeting window, as it can swiftly relocate after launching. “Launching from a moving platform showcases a degree of tactical creativity,” stated Samuel Bendett, a defense technology advisor at the Center for Naval Analyses, in a recent interview with a defense magazine. “It’s less about precision engineering and more about optimizing available resources in a dynamic combat environment.”

The video evidence reveals the drone’s smooth ascent despite the vehicle’s movement, suggesting a level of proficiency rather than a mere trial run. This adaptability is consistent with reports of Russia deploying over 6,000 Shahed drones against Ukraine since early 2024, according to data from the Ukrainian Armed Forces, highlighting the increasing significance of this weapon in the ongoing conflict.

Moreover, the choice of a pickup truck for launching reflects a broader philosophy of improvisation that has been prevalent throughout the drone warfare in this conflict.

The Shahed-136 was not designed to be a state-of-the-art weapon. Its main advantage is its affordability, estimated at approximately $20,000 per unit, and its capacity to saturate defenses through large numbers.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has referred to the drone as “one of the primary instruments of Russian terror,” highlighting its significant impact on civilian infrastructure despite its basic design. The use of a pickup truck as a launch platform represents a pragmatic approach that values functionality over complexity.

Military analysts have drawn comparisons to historical instances, such as the employment of civilian vehicles in guerrilla tactics, where traditional resources are limited. In this scenario, the truck’s mobility offsets the absence of sophisticated launch systems, enabling operators to execute strikes from unforeseen positions.

This trend of improvisation is supported by more than just video evidence. Reports from Ukrainian military officials indicate that downed Geran-2 drones have been found to contain a combination of foreign and locally sourced components, including electronics from the United States, China, and Switzerland, as highlighted by Ukraine’s National Agency on Corruption Prevention in late 2023.

Additionally, Russia has enhanced the drone with its own navigation systems, such as the GLONASS satellite network, replacing the earlier Iranian designs that depended on civilian-grade GPS.

Recent discoveries of debris from downed drones have revealed the incorporation of Starlink communication systems and thermal imaging cameras, indicating a continuous effort to improve capabilities without fundamentally changing the original design.

If confirmed, the use of a pickup truck for launching drones aligns with this trend of gradual adaptation, utilizing available technology to address immediate needs on the battlefield.

Looking forward, the potential impact of mobile launch platforms like the one depicted in the video could significantly alter the landscape of drone warfare.

The Shahed-136 presents a significant challenge for Ukrainian air defense systems. Its minimal radar profile, ability to fly at low altitudes—typically between 60 and 4,000 meters—and cost-effectiveness make it a viable alternative to traditional cruise missiles, which can be priced in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Ukrainian forces have successfully intercepted thousands of these drones, with the General Staff reporting the destruction or neutralization of 1,185 in just one month last year.

However, this defensive effort comes at a considerable cost, as intercepting a $20,000 drone with a missile that may cost ten to twenty times more places a strain on limited resources. The use of mobile launch systems further complicates the situation by making it harder to predict the origin of attacks, compelling defenders to allocate their resources more thinly.

The potential for further advancements is significant. If launching from a moving pickup truck proves effective, it could pave the way for other platforms. Drones launched from boats, trains, or even camouflaged civilian vehicles may become part of evolving tactics.

A British report to the United Nations Security Council highlighted a variant of the Shahed-136 that was utilized against moving vessels in the Gulf of Oman in 2023, featuring sensors and possibly operated in real-time through satellite communication.

These developments suggest a future where low-cost drones could become increasingly adaptable, merging reconnaissance and strike functions. “We’re witnessing the democratization of precision strike technology,” noted a Western defense analyst who wished to remain anonymous due to the sensitive nature of the discussion. “The critical question is how far this can progress before countermeasures are developed.”

Russia’s drone strategy is exhibiting clear signs of escalation. The Alabuga facility is set to produce 6,000 Shahed-136 units by mid-2025, as indicated by leaked documents from Defense Express, a Ukrainian news outlet.

Recent upgrades include the incorporation of thermobaric warheads, which enhance destructive capabilities, and stealth coatings designed to minimize detection. The introduction of mobile launch platforms could further enhance these developments, making the Geran-2 a more elusive and persistent threat.

Ukrainian officials are advocating for increased Western assistance to strengthen air defenses, with President Zelenskyy emphasizing in a previous address that combating drones is a daily challenge.

At the same time, Russia’s reported halt in deploying its more advanced long-range missiles, as noted by The War Zone, indicates a strategic pivot towards more economical drones like the Shahed-136.

A video depicting a pickup truck launch, although unverified, illustrates this shifting dynamic. It highlights a scenario where necessity fosters innovation, merging rudimentary methods with effective outcomes. Whether this approach will become commonplace remains to be seen, as neither Russian nor Ukrainian officials have provided direct commentary on the footage.

Nonetheless, its dissemination on social media has sparked discussions among analysts and the public. As the conflict continues, the role of the Shahed-136 is expanding, with its low-tech origins overshadowed by the complex challenges it presents. The final frame of the video, showing the drone ascending into the sky, leaves viewers contemplating what other unexpected developments may arise from the ongoing conflict.