Ukraine plans to manufacture 'Ukrainian Lancet', a kamikaze drone modeled after Russia's
The idea to create a "Ukrainian Lancet" was disclosed by the Ukrainian Minister of Digital Transformation, Mykhailo Fedorov. He stated that the upcoming combat drone would be capable of striking targets approximately 25 miles away. Currently, Kyiv is testing the existing products on the market, and Fedorov anticipates settling contracts with Ukrainian companies within a few weeks. After which, the drones will gradually be deployed to the front line. Fedorov didn't provide a specific date but suggested that information regarding these new drones would begin to appear in Russian public sources within a couple of months.
Lancet: A Potent Weapon in the Russian Arsenal
The Lancet ammo drone, developed by Zala Group (a subsidiary of Kalashnikov Group), is considered one of the more effective kamikaze drones deployed by Putin's army. It has been used to decimate valuable artillery and diverse military equipment. Even special anti-drone nets, a topic we have covered extensively, have proven ineffective against Lancets. The drones are designed to detonate at the point of contact with a target, inflicting maximum damage.
A recent addition to the Lancet drone series is the Lancet-3. This variant was initially revealed to the public 2019 during the Military Technical Forum in Moscow. Lancet-3 saw its maiden combat mission in Syria during the civil war in November 2020. While its primary purpose is to destroy enemy positions and equipment, Lancet-3 can also conduct observation and survey experiments.
The drone boasts a maximum take-off weight of 26 lbs and can transport a payload weighing up to 6.6 kg. Its range is estimated at 25 miles and can reach a top speed of 68 mph. According to the manufacturers, the drone's endurance spans approximately 40 minutes. The unmanned aircraft is rigged with high-resolution electro-optical and infrared cameras, which empower the operator to pinpoint, validate, and designate the device to its target. Lancet-3 is equipped with electro-optical guidance, facilitating the guided control of the drone during its terminal flight phase.
The Ukrainians have managed to secure a few Russian Lancet drones that were shot down or rendered inoperational by electronic warfare (EW) systems. This experience may have given them valuable insights into drone operations and how they can be adapted to create "Ukrainian Lancets." At this point, however, limited information on their planned specifications other than an anticipated target range of about 25 miles is available.
