ZALA Lancet

ZALA Lancet, side view

The ZALA Lancet can be used for both reconnaissance and strike missions. It has a maximum range of 40 kilometres (25 mi) and a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of up to 12 kilograms (26 lb). In combat mode, it can be armed either with high explosive (HE) or HE-fragmentation warheads. It features optical-electronic guidance and TV guidance unit, which allows the munition to be controlled during the terminal stage of flight.[3] The drone features intelligence, navigation and communications modules.[5] According to Zala Aero Chief Designer Alexander Zakharov, the Lancet can be used in so called "air mining" role. In this role, the drone dives at maximum speed up to 300 kilometres per hour (190 mph) and strikes enemy unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) mid-flight. Lancet can be launched via catapult launcher from ground or sea platforms like the Raptor-class patrol boats.[6] The drone is powered by an electric motor.[7]

The Lancet has been combat tested in Syria during the Russian military intervention in the Syrian civil war since at least November 2020.[5] In April 2021, it was engaged in strikes against Tahrir al-Sham in the Idlib Governorate.[6]

On 8 June 2022, Russian defence corporation Rostec announced that Lancet and KUB drones were deployed during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.[8] A month later, the first video of their combat use in Ukraine emerged.[4] In late 2022, multiple videos appeared on social networks showing Lancet drones striking a variety of Ukrainian military targets, such as air defence systems, self-propelled howitzers, tanks and military trucks. Among the targets damaged or destroyed were S-300 missile systems, a Buk-M1 missile system, a T-64 tank, Western-supplied M777 and FH70 howitzers, as well as M109, AHS Krab and CAESAR self-propelled howitzers.[9][10][11] On 4 November 2022, a Gyurza-M-class gunboat of the Ukrainian Navy was damaged by a Lancet drone, the first time a Lancet attacked a naval target during the war.[12][10]

In February 2023, a Lancet drone targetted and damaged a rare Ukrainian T-84 tank.[13] In March 2023, a British-supplied Stormer HVM air-defence system was struck by a Lancet drone for the first time.[14]

While long-range Iranian Shahed-136 kamikaze drones are used against Ukrainian energy infrastructure, the Lancet is employed as a precision battlefield weapon against high-value military targets, usually located by a reconnaissance drone before it gets launched. Although the Lancet is recorded having hit a number of Ukrainian targets, there are also numerous misses. Even if it hits it does not guarantee a kill, sometimes causing minor damage that can be repaired. Russia may be prevented from producing Lancets in large numbers due to international sanctions, as Russian drones are dependent on imported electronics and they are having difficulties in finding alternatives.[15]

According to Oryx, Dutch open-source intelligence website, Lancet drones scored more than 100 successful hits on Ukrainian targets during the war. Most of the targets were towed artillery and self-propelled artillery systems.[16] A Russian source has also made claims about the high efficiency of the drone.[17]

Since spring 2022 Ukrainian forces have been forced to build cages around their artillery pieces using chain link fencing, wire mesh and even wooden logs as part of the construction. One analyst told Radio Liberty that such cages were “mainly intended to disrupt Russian Lancet munitions.” A picture supposedly taken from January 2023 shows the rear half of a Lancet drone that failed to detonate due to such cages. So the cages appear to work part of the time. Likewise Ukrainian forces have used inflatable decoys and wooden vehicles, such as HIMARS, to confuse Lancet drones.[18][19] But in April, a photo emerged showing a destroyed M-777, which was protected by a net, indicating that nets or cages aren't enough capable to stop lancet strikes. [20]

On 18 April 2023 reports emerged of the destruction of an Ukrainian patrol boat on the Dnipro River after being struck by a Lancet drone.[21] On 27 April 2023 a video confirmed a Lancet strike on Ukrainian Tor SAM system.[22] On 28 April 2023 a video confirmed Lancet strike on German Flakpanzer Gepard anti-aircraft system.[23] On the same day it was reported that Lancet destroyed four S-300 anti-aircraft system.[24]

On 7 May 2023 reports emerged of the destruction of a UK-made L119 howitzer by a Lancet drone.[25]

Lancet-3

Basic and bigger variant with a 40-minute endurance. A maximum payload of three kilograms (6.6 lb) and a 12 kg (26 lb) MTOW. The maximum speed is 80–110 kilometres per hour (50–68 mph).[3][6]

Lancet-1

A smaller version of the Lancet-3. It carries a one-kilogram (2.2 lb) payload and has a 5 kg (11 lb) MTOW. The endurance is 30 minutes.[3][6]

Russian troops in Ukraine have begun using the upgraded Lancet loitering munitions with an increased flight duration of one hour and a more powerful warhead weighing more than five kilograms, which is at least two kilograms more than the basic version of the drone. Lancets are used to attack personnel with a high explosive fragmentation or thermobaric warhead, and armored vehicles with a high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead.[26][27] The upgraded variant is designated Izdeliye 51, while the original one, with a three-kilogram warhead, is designated Izdeliye 52 and reportedly was upgraded with a larger warhead and a new EO guidance system as of March 2023.[28][29]

 Russia

•  Russian Ground Forces

• AeroVironment Switchblade
• UVision Hero
• HESA Shahed 136