Russia upgrades Zala Z-16 reconnaissance drone with AI to autonomously evade Ukrainian drone interceptors.

On March 14, 2025, the Russian company Zala Aero reported that its Z-16 reconnaissance unmanned aerial system (UAS) had returned to its crew following an attempted intercept by a First-Person View (FPV) drone. According to the operator, the drone was damaged by shrapnel during the encounter but managed to return independently despite losing its communication link. The company indicated that the Z-16 is equipped with special cameras, which identify incoming threats and instruct the onboard system to execute evasive maneuvers. The onboard systems reportedly allowed the aircraft to orient itself, navigate without communication, and land using its parachute and air shock absorber.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

The Z-16 has been used by the Russian Armed Forces since the beginning of the war in Ukraine to gather intelligence on enemy positions, locate camouflaged equipment, and provide targeting data for artillery and airstrikes. (Picture source: Zala)

The incident involving the Z-16 was further documented through onboard video footage shared on the Weaponsrusq Telegram channel. The footage shows the drone conducting evasive maneuvers before being hit. The attack caused communication loss, but the drone continued its flight and returned to its unit. Zala Aero stated that modern versions of the Zala reconnaissance UAS are designed to operate in conditions with electronic warfare (EW) interference and drone interceptor threats. The Z-16 includes special cameras using what is called "a machine vision system" that autonomously detects enemy FPV drones and initiates counter-maneuvers without operator input. According to Zala, this capability supports mission continuation even if the data link is disrupted.

The Z-16 has been widely used by the Russian Armed Forces since the beginning of the war in Ukraine. Its functions include gathering intelligence on enemy positions, locating camouflaged equipment, and providing targeting data for artillery and airstrikes. In one instance, it was used in the Kherson region to direct airstrikes at night using its thermal imaging equipment. Zala Aero reports that its engineering team makes regular updates to the UAV’s design and systems based on feedback from deployed units. These updates reportedly address control, communication, and survivability features based on operational usage.

The Zala Z-16 is an electric-powered, single-engine reconnaissance drone designed in a flying wing configuration. It has a maximum takeoff weight of 10.5 kilograms and a wingspan of 2,815 millimeters. The drone can be launched from a pneumatic launcher and lands using a parachute system supported by an air shock absorber. The maximum payload exceeds 1.8 kilograms. The platform supports various onboard equipment for data collection and analysis, including HD video streaming and high-resolution thermal imaging.

Performance specifications include a flight duration of more than four hours, a communication range exceeding 75 kilometers, and an operational altitude range of 200 to 5,000 meters. The drone’s maximum flight altitude is 5,000 meters, with a speed range between 65 and 110 kilometers per hour. The Z-16 is capable of operating in temperatures from -40°C to +50°C and in wind speeds up to 15 meters per second. Its navigation systems include an inertial navigation system with satellite correction, a dual radio rangefinder, an alternative Zala navigation system, and a video-based navigation system.

Zala Aero states that the Z-16 is equipped with an onboard AI system for target identification and prioritization. The drone also includes a secure communication channel and a module for intelligent navigation. Additional features include signal retransmission, resistance to radio interference, and reduced radar cross-section and acoustic signatures. The aircraft is reportedly capable of operating continuously in conditions with EW interference and anti-aircraft threats.