Fragments of a Russian-marked Geran-2 drone, the Russian variant of the Iranian Shahed-136 loitering munition, were discovered near Dubai’s Jebel Ali port after UAE air defenses intercepted an Iranian drone and missile barrage. Debris injured two people and caused damage to residential buildings, hotels, vehicles, and sparked a fire near the US Consulate.
UAE forces downed hundreds of aerial targets during the March 4 incident amid regional escalation. Videos circulating on social media, including Telegram channels for Russians in the UAE, show Geran-2 serial markings on the wreckage. One user commented, “Imagine the find… Near the port of Jebel Ali. Some wind brought a ‘Geran-2’ to Dubai… It turns out there was a chance to be hit by your own drone? A joke, of course.”
The Geran-2 measures 3.5 meters long with a 2.5-meter wingspan, weighs up to 240 kg, and carries a 50-90 kg warhead. It achieves speeds of 180-185 km/h, ranges over 1,000-2,000 km, and flies at altitudes from 60 to 4,000 meters. Russian upgrades include the jam-resistant Kometa-M navigation system, GLONASS compatibility, interference-resistant antennas, 4G modems for real-time correction via cellular networks, and enhanced thermobaric warheads. The fuselage uses fiberglass reinforced with carbon fiber; recent models feature black paint for night operations.
Dubai International Airport faced cancellations and delays. The finds underscore Russia-Iran military ties, with Moscow deploying over 57,000 such drones against Ukraine since 2022.