Russia launches Lancet-E loitering munition at Army-2024 for international defense markets.

At the Army-2024 International Military-Technical Forum, Rosoboronexport, a key entity within the Rostec State Corporation, unveiled the Lancet-E system for the first time. The Lancet-E is an export version of the ZALA Lancet loitering munition, which has been extensively used in Ukraine. Developed and manufactured by JSC Aeroscan, the Lancet-E system comprises the Z-16-E reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and two guided munitions carriers, known as Izdeliye 51-E and Izdeliye 52-E, each with distinct range capabilities and maximum takeoff weights.
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The introduction of the Lancet-E reflects Rosoboronexport's intent to expand its footprint in the international defense market, as the company projects that the Lancet-E could be exported in quantities exceeding 1,000 units. (Picture source: Rosoboronexport)

The introduction of the Lancet-E reflects Rosoboronexport's intent to expand its footprint in the international defense market. The system has been deployed against various targets, including armored vehicles, fortified positions, and maritime threats, indicating its potential effectiveness. Rosoboronexport projects that the Lancet-E could be exported in quantities exceeding 1,000 units.

Alexander Mikheev, the Director General of Rosoboronexport, mentioned that production capacities are expected to meet domestic demand before international orders are fulfilled. Additionally, Rosoboronexport is offering technological partnerships, including licensed and joint production, to international clients.

In addition to the Lancet-E, Rosoboronexport is promoting other unmanned systems, such as the Kub-E guided munition, developed by the Kalashnikov Concern, also a part of Rostec. The Orlan-10E, Orlan-30, and Orion-E UAV systems are also reportedly attracting interest from international buyers.

The Lancet-E system comprises the Z-16-E reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and two guided munitions carriers, known as Izdeliye 51-E and Izdeliye 52-E. (Picture source: ZALA)

The Lancet-E is a variant of the ZALA Lancet, a loitering munition developed by ZALA Aero Group, a subsidiary of Kalashnikov Concern, introduced in 2019. The Lancet has been deployed in conflict zones, including Syria and Ukraine, for reconnaissance and precision strikes. The drone features an X-wing design and a small pusher propeller, reportedly making it difficult to detect via radar. In Ukraine, the Lancet has been used to target military assets such as IRIS-T air defense radars and Leopard 2 tanks. Russian sources have reported an effectiveness rate of around 80% during the 2023 Ukrainian counteroffensive. This reported effectiveness has spurred increased production of the Lancet to compensate for the loss of other military assets.

The Lancet series includes various models, such as the Lancet-1 and Lancet-3, which differ primarily in payload capacity and flight endurance. The Lancet-3, for instance, can carry a 5-kilogram warhead and has a flight endurance of approximately 40 minutes with a range exceeding 40 kilometers. Recent updates to the Lancet include a tube launcher capable of deploying multiple drones and enhanced communication systems that enable coordinated operations. Despite challenges such as sanctions and parts shortages, the production of the Lancet continues, supported by adaptable manufacturing processes.

The Lancet-E is a variant of the ZALA Lancet, a loitering munition developed by ZALA Aero Group, a subsidiary of Kalashnikov Concern, introduced in 2019. (Picture source: Rosoboronexport)