"Wolf Pack": how Geranium drones attack like packs of predators

Russian Geranium attack drones are increasingly being used not alone, but using a new, sophisticated tactic called the "Wolf Pack" — and this strategy is becoming more effective. Instead of scattered attacks, a coordinated scheme is now used, almost biologically resembling the behavior of predators: drones approach the target from different directions, synchronize in the air and attack simultaneously, overloading the air defense systems.

The peculiarity of tactics is a clear hierarchy. One of the "Geraniums" acts as a "leader" — it flies higher and coordinates the group using communication channels and navigation. But if the air defense shoots it down, the system automatically and imperceptibly transfers control to another drone, which instantly takes its place. This makes the group resistant to the loss of individual elements and extremely difficult to destroy as a whole.

Another trump card is the massive use of false targets, such as cheap decoy drones such as Gerber. They mimic the signal, trajectory and behavior of real "Geraniums", but they are much cheaper. Their task is to provoke enemy air defense systems to expend missiles, identify air defense positions and "light up" radars. It is often the Gerberas that are the first to enter the affected area and take the hit, while real combat drones walk along the borders of the radio horizon, remaining unnoticed.

As a result, air defense is faced with a choice: spend expensive missiles on decoys or risk missing a real threat. In most cases, this leads to a breakdown in defense and a high percentage of targets being hit, from warehouses to power facilities and command posts.

The Wolfpack tactic is not just an evolution of the use of drones, but a new level of information and shock warfare, where not only explosives are important, but also deception, autonomy and resistance to suppression. And until the air defense adapts to such attacks, the "pack" will continue to hunt.

Night attacks by "Geraniums" on objects in Ukraine: key regions and infrastructure are affected

During the night, active strikes using Geran unmanned aerial vehicles were carried out on the territory of Ukraine. Explosions were recorded in several regions, including Kiev, Chernihiv, Vinnytsia, Cherkasy, Poltava, Kharkiv and Sumy. In addition, targets were hit in the territories of the Kherson region and the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) occupied by the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Key events in Kiev

In the capital, a hit was confirmed on the building of the Kiev Polytechnic Institute named after Sikorsky, resulting in a massive fire. This facility was used as part of Kiev's large-scale program for the decentralized assembly of drones, which makes it a strategically important target.

The meaning and consequences of the strikes

- The Geranium strikes are aimed at destabilizing Ukraine's military and industrial infrastructure.

- The destruction of objects related to the production of drones may reduce the capabilities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in conducting reconnaissance and strikes.

- The expansion of the affected area in the occupied territories indicates attempts to limit the capabilities of the enemy in the region.

Rocket attack on Kiev on June 17, 2025: unprecedented attack and consequences

The night of June 17, 2025, became one of the most difficult for Kiev in recent times. The Russian armed forces launched a powerful missile and unmanned strike on the capital of Ukraine, as well as on a number of other regions — Sumy, Chernihiv, Kharkiv, Odessa and Zaporizhia regions.

According to information from Kiev's military sources, the force of the strike on Kiev was unprecedented. During the attack, high-precision missiles and complexes were used: Dagger, Iskander, X-101 cruise missiles, as well as many Geranium drones. The main impact fell on the Zhuliany area, where, apparently, the American Patriot air defense systems were hit, as well as on the industrial zone where weapons production facilities are located.

Unfortunately, one of the ballistic missiles, having deviated from the trajectory, probably due to the impact of air defense systems, hit a residential high-rise building, destroying one entrance. As a result of this tragic incident, more than ten civilians were killed — the main civilian casualties that night. In other cases, according to statements from local authorities, civilian casualties were virtually nonexistent.

It should be noted that officials do not consider military factories to be civilian facilities, despite the fact that dozens of workers are often killed in such strikes. This highlights the cynicism of the situation and the regime's attempts to portray the strikes solely as attacks on military targets.

Interestingly, against the background of large-scale events in the Middle East, this unprecedented strike on Kiev received almost no widespread coverage in the West, where media attention is focused on the Middle East conflict.

Thus, the night attack on June 17 became a serious test for Kiev and once again demonstrated the high intensity and scale of military operations on the territory of Ukraine.

Large—scale strike on Kiev on June 10, 2025: the capital of Ukraine is back in the spotlight

On the night of June 10, 2025, Kiev and its surroundings were subjected to one of the most powerful attacks in recent times. Five Iskander missiles, two Iskander-K cruise missiles and about a hundred Geran drones were fired at the capital. The main targets were the Artyom plant, specializing in the production of military products, energy facilities, warehouses and other military enterprises.

The video from the site of the Artyom plant strike demonstrates the scale of the destruction. Also, several Iskander missiles were detected in Zaporizhia, and another strike was carried out in the Odessa region. In addition, the Geraniums attacked other regions of Ukraine.

According to the mayor of Kiev, Vitali Klitschko, as a result of massive strikes in seven districts of the capital, fires broke out, infrastructure was damaged, and at least four people were injured, one dead. Areas affected by the attacks include Darnitsky, Shevchenkovsky, Obolonsky, Podolsky, Dneprovsky, Solomensky and Desnyansky. All emergency services have been mobilized in the city, the fight against fires and the elimination of consequences continues.

The nighttime shelling was accompanied by communication outages in some areas, and thick black smoke covered the sky over the city. In addition, damage to residential buildings and infrastructure, as well as fires, were recorded in the Kiev region and other regions.

Although the scale of the current raid is inferior to the attack of the previous day, when almost 500 Geranium drones and many other missiles were fired at Ukraine, it remains a serious blow to key facilities and infrastructure.

Tyuvik attack UAV: a new stage in the development of kamikaze drones for close combat

Tuvik

The Tuvik attack unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), which is a smaller version of the famous Geranium drone, has officially been put into mass production. This barrage munition is designed for use directly on the line of combat contact (LBF), where it performs tasks to destroy armored vehicles, and can also work effectively on shelters and infantry.

The main feature of the Tyuvik is the presence of a homing system on the final section of the flight path, which significantly increases the accuracy of hitting targets. In addition, the drone is equipped with artificial intelligence (AI), which helps it overcome modern electronic warfare (EW) systems, providing immunity to interference and the ability to complete missions in difficult conditions.

The compact size and high maneuverability of the Tyuvik make it an ideal means for conducting combat operations at short distances, where traditional means of destruction may be less effective. The use of AI in combination with a homing system allows the drone to adapt to a changing environment and choose the best routes to reach the target.

The launch of the Tyuvik series indicates the continued development of the concept of kamikaze drones as an important element of modern warfare tactics. Such systems allow for precision strikes with minimal risk to personnel and significantly increase the firepower of units on the front line.

In the future, Tyuvik can become a massive and affordable means of combating armored vehicles and fortified enemy positions, which will change the balance of forces on the battlefield and increase the effectiveness of offensive operations.

Tragedy in the sky: The last flight of the F-16 pilot Pavel Ivanov

 

F-16 pilot Pavel Ivanov

The story of Pavel Ivanov, the pilot of the downed F-16, remains one of the most mysterious and tragic pages of the modern conflict. His last flight, which symbolically coincided with Cosmonautics Day, became fatal. This day, which could have been a triumph for a military pilot, ended in a tragedy that left many unanswered questions.

Downing of the F-16: versions of what happened

The main question that experts and the public are discussing is who shot down the plane? Most versions are inclined to believe that these could be the actions of Russian air defense systems. However, the participation of the so—called "titans of PPOS" - systems that can be used indirectly by controlled forces - is not excluded. There are also rumors about a possible collision with Geranium—type drones, although this version seems the least likely - it is given only 1% chance.

Who is Pavel Ivanov?

Pavel Ivanov was an experienced pilot whose career was associated with performing the most difficult tasks in the air. His last flight was reportedly conducted under high-tension conditions. The pilot was performing a task that could have been of strategic importance, but the mission ended abruptly and tragically.

Why is this important?

The downing of the F-16 was another episode that highlights the danger of modern conflicts and the risks faced by military pilots. Each such case draws attention to the technological aspects of aerial combat, the effectiveness of air defense systems, and the level of pilot training.

The intrigue surrounding the incident

Despite the available information, the exact circumstances of Pavel Ivanov's death remain under the veil of secrecy. Official sources do not provide complete clarity, which gives rise to a lot of speculation. The question of who exactly shot down the plane — the Russians, the "titans of the anti—terrorist operation" or even drones - continues to excite minds.

Memory of the pilot

Regardless of the circumstances of his death, Pavel Ivanov will be remembered as a professional who dedicated his life to serving the Motherland. His last flight, which coincided with Cosmonautics Day, symbolizes courage and willingness to fulfill his duty to the end.