Overview:
The Lancet-3, manufactured by Kalashnikov and ZALA aerogroup, is an electrically powered loitering munition which consists of ‘precision strike components, reconnaissance, navigation, and communications modules.’[1]Army Recognition, ‘Lancet-3 loitering munition’, … Continue reading The design of the Lancet-3 is ‘based on a cylindrical fuselage with two pairs of X-shaped wings mounted at the front and rear of the fuselage. It incorporates a rear-facing pusher-prop arrangement in contrast to the more conventional puller-prop layout.’[2]ODIN, ‘Lancet-3 Russian loitering munition Unmanned Aerial Vehicle’, https://odin.tradoc.army.mil/WEG/Asset/ZALA_LANCET-3_Russian_Loitering_Munition_Unmanned_Aerial_Vehicle_(UAV)
The Lancet has become one of Russia’s ‘most effective weapons’ in its war in Ukraine, and is Russia’s ‘preferred weapon for counter-battery strikes’. [3]Forbes, ‘Russia Boosts Production And Displays New ‘Swarming’ Version Of Lancet-3 Kamikaze Drone’, … Continue reading
The newer Lancet-3M has ‘an eight-foot wingspan, weighs about 35 pounds and cruises at about 70 mph. The operator seeks and identifies targets through the drone’s camera. The drone dives at 190 mph to impact with an armor-piercing warhead. The makers claim a range of 25 miles.'[4]Forbes, ‘Russia’s smartest weapon may have an American brain’, … Continue reading
There are numerous reported instances of use of the Lancet by Russia in Ukraine.[5]See, for example: Reuters, ‘Cheap Russian drone a menace to Ukrainian troops and equipment’, … Continue reading
Autonomy:
Kalashnikov claims that the Lancet system is ‘a smart multipurpose weapon, capable of autonomously finding and hitting a target’. [6]Kalashnikov, ‘Kalashnikov presented precision UAV weapon system Zala Lancet’, … Continue reading.
The U.S. military’s ODIN database states that ‘According to Zala Aero engineers, it can be also used in air mining roles. It is a smart multipurpose weapon, capable of autonomously finding and hitting a target. It can transmit video, which allows for confirming successful target engagement. It features autonomous flight operations made possible through onboard artificial intelligence or pre-programming.'[7]ODIN, ‘Lancet-3 Russian loitering munition Unmanned Aerial Vehicle’, https://odin.tradoc.army.mil/WEG/Asset/ZALA_LANCET-3_Russian_Loitering_Munition_Unmanned_Aerial_Vehicle_(UAV)
Recent reports claim that a new swarming attack version of the Lancet has been developed: ‘When a group of targets is identified the Lancets pick one each and attack simultaneously’; however, as is noted in this report, such claims should be scrutinised carefully.[8]Forbes, ‘Russia Boosts Production And Displays New ‘Swarming’ Version Of Lancet-3 Kamikaze Drone’, … Continue reading
🔊🇺🇦 Ukraine’s soldiers say the Lancet drone, a cheap and deadly angular grey tube, has been an increasing threat on the frontlines in recent months.
More on Reuters World News daily podcast https://t.co/ah9MqWj3a4 1/3 pic.twitter.com/W6SZcsRMGZ— Reuters (@Reuters) June 30, 2023
Type: UAV
Developer:
Zala Aero Group
Country: Russian federation
Year: 2019
Size: Wingspan approx. 2.4 metres
Weight: 12kg
Speed: 110 Km/h
Max time of operation: 40 minutes
Payload: 3kg
References