British MoD: Russian drones are one of the most effective new weapons

The Lancet, a small, one-way unmanned aerial system (UAS) from Russia, is one of the most effective new weapons deployed in Ukraine over the last 12 months, according to an assessment by the British Ministry of Defense.

The daily intelligence update stated that the Lancets are designed to be flown over enemy territory, hover until a target is identified, then dive toward the target to detonate.

ZALA Aero Group manufactures the Lancets. The company also makes small, unarmed unmanned aerial vehicles named Orlan 10, which Russia frequently uses alongside Lancets for target detection.

"Russia has started deploying Lancets to attack priority targets, and their presence is increasingly felt in the key counter-battery fights, where they strike at enemy artillery. Traditionally, Russia has utilized small unmanned aerial vehicles mostly for reconnaissance purposes. The Lancet's ability to attack represents a significant evolution in how Russia employs this category of weapons," the report articulated.