Russia triple production of updated ZALA Lancet kamikaze drones and launchers

Based on a tweet by Getty on July 16, 2023, a recent Russian reportage from Rossiya 1 TV channel revealed significant developments in Russia's production of Lancet kamikaze drones. According to the coverage, Russia has tripled the production of Lancet kamikaze drones, indicating a substantial increase in their manufacturing efforts. The Lancet drone has undergone a transformative process, entering its next stage of development with remarkable advancements.
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Russia has tripled the production of Lancet kamikaze drones along with new launchers (Pictures sources Kalashnikov Group and Getty)

Furthermore, the report mentioned the initiation of production for a new generation of Lancet drones called "Izdelie 53," designed for use in a multi-charge launcher system.

Publicly available Russian sources stated that the Lancet drone boasts advanced capabilities and comes at a relatively affordable price of approximately 3 million roubles, equivalent to around $35,000.

This cost comparison highlights the Lancet's cost-effectiveness in modern warfare, as it self-destructs upon impact, making it economically viable. For instance, analysts compared its price to that of an S-300 missile, which costs several hundred thousand dollars, and a Leopard 2 tank, which costs several million dollars.

The latest launchers are specially designed to accommodate the advanced "Izdelie 53" drones. These kamikaze UAVs will be employed in a swarm of drones concept for targeted strikes against group objectives. When one Lancet drone detects armored vehicles or concentrations of targets, it shares this information with the rest of the drones in the swarm, leading to a coordinated and efficient destruction of the identified targets.

Due to the growing importance of kamikaze drones on the frontlines, there is a rising demand, leading to increased production of these aerial weapons.

These advancements in Russia's kamikaze drone production are expected to have significant implications for modern warfare strategies and could potentially shape the dynamics of future conflicts.

The Lancet, officially designated as Item 52/Item 51, is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and loitering munition developed by the Russian company ZALA Aero Group, part of the Kalashnikov Concern. It was unveiled at the ARMY-2019 military expo in Moscow in June 2019.

The ZALA Lancet serves multiple purposes, functioning for both reconnaissance and strike missions. It can reach a maximum range of 40 kilometers (25 miles) and has a maximum takeoff weight of up to 12 kilograms (26 pounds). When in combat mode, it can be armed with high explosive (HE) or HE-fragmentation warheads. The drone features optical-electronic guidance and a TV guidance unit, enabling control during the terminal stage of its flight. Additionally, it incorporates intelligence, navigation, and communications modules for enhanced operational capabilities.

One remarkable feature of the Lancet is its "air mining" role, allowing the drone to dive at high speeds, up to 300 kilometers per hour (190 mph), to engage and strike enemy unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) mid-flight, effectively neutralizing them. The Lancet can be launched from ground-based or sea platforms, such as the Raptor-class patrol boats, using a catapult launcher. It operates with the power of an electric motor.

Different variants of the Lancet drone are available, each serving distinct purposes and possessing varying capabilities.

The Lancet-3 is the basic and larger variant with a 40-minute endurance. It has a considerable carrying capacity, with the ability to hold a maximum payload of three kilograms (6.6 pounds) and a maximum takeoff weight of 12 kilograms (26 pounds). Operating at speeds ranging from 80 to 110 kilometers per hour (50-68 mph), the Lancet-3 is designed to cover a wider area and undertake longer missions.

On the other hand, the Lancet-1 represents a smaller version of its counterpart, the Lancet-3. With a reduced endurance of 30 minutes, the Lancet-1 is more compact and agile. It can carry a one-kilogram (2.2 pounds) payload and has a maximum takeoff weight of 5 kilograms (11 pounds). Despite its shorter flight duration, the Lancet-1 is ideal for more targeted operations and maneuvering through confined spaces.

The latest and most advanced version of the Lancet is the Izdelie-53. This variant features a new tube launcher that can accommodate up to four Lancet drones. An innovative feature of the Izdelie-53 drones is their ability to exchange critical information amongst themselves about the presence of armored vehicles and their concentrations. This intelligent communication system enables drones to autonomously select targets from pre-set categories, enhancing their effectiveness in coordinated strikes and engagements. The Izdelie-53 represents a significant advancement in the capabilities and versatility of the Lancet drone series.

As of the reported information, Russian troops in Ukraine have been using upgraded Lancet loitering munitions with an increased flight duration of one hour and a more powerful warhead weighing more than five kilograms, providing a two-kilogram increase over the basic version of the drone. These upgraded variants are designated Izdeliye 51, while the original version, with a three-kilogram warhead, is designated Izdeliye 52. The upgraded version reportedly features a larger warhead and a new EO (electro-optical) guidance system as of March 2023. The Lancets have been used to attack personnel with high-explosive fragmentation or thermobaric warheads, and armored vehicles with high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warheads.