Russia Promotes New Lancet-E Kamikaze Drone for Export Market Following Success in Ukraine.

Following the success of the Lancet drone in the Ukraine War, the Russian defense industry promotes its Lancet-E loitering munition, also called a kamikaze drone, at the Army-2024 International Defense Exhibition in Russia, an enhanced version of the Lancet, targeting the international market. Russian state defense export agency Rosoboronexport underscores Russia's ambition to expand its defense exports amid increasing global demand for advanced loitering munitions
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The new Russian-made Lancet-E loitering munition was displayed for the first time at Army-2024, a defense exhibition that was held in Moscow, Russia. (Picture source: Defense Market News magazine)

The Russian-made Lancet-E loitering munition has a maximum operational range of 40 km and a maximum takeoff weight of up to 12 km. It is capable of carrying various types of warheads, including high-explosive, high-explosive fragmentation, and cumulative warheads, making it highly adaptable to a wide range of combat scenarios. One of the key features that set the Lancet-E apart is its sophisticated guidance system, which employs optoelectronic guidance combined with a TV guidance unit for terminal control. This advanced technology, alongside its integrated reconnaissance, navigation, and communication modules, enhances the drone's precision and versatility, making it a powerful tool for modern warfare capable of engaging diverse targets, including armored vehicles, fortifications, and surface threats.

The Lancet-E made its debut at the Army 2024 defense exhibition, where the Russian defense industry launched a global marketing campaign for this advanced weapon system. Alexander Mikheev, CEO of Rosoboronexport, highlighted the drone's battlefield success and its significant export potential. Mikheev stated, "The Lancet has demonstrated unparalleled success on the Ukrainian battlefield, making it an attractive option for global military buyers. We estimate the export potential of this system at over 1,000 units. Once the needs of the Russian Armed Forces are met, our production capabilities will allow us to meet international demand." Mikheev also emphasized the opportunity for technology partnerships, including license agreements and joint production ventures, which are expected to attract international buyers interested in not only acquiring the drones but also establishing local production capabilities.

The success of the Lancet drone in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine has been a crucial factor in its growing reputation. According to Zala Aero, the manufacturer of the Lancet-E, the drone was documented in 872 instances of combat use by Russian forces between February 2022 and December 29, 2023. In these instances, the Lancet successfully hit 698 enemy targets, achieving a remarkable success rate of 80%. This impressive track record on the battlefield has cemented the Lancet's status as a reliable and effective weapon, further boosting its appeal on the international market.

Although the exact specifications of the Lancet-E export version remain undisclosed, the promotional material showcased at Army 2024 highlighted its successful deployment in various combat scenarios. This visual evidence is likely to generate significant interest from international buyers seeking a proven, battle-ready technology.

As the Russian defense industry embarks on its global campaign to market the Lancet-E drone system, it is watching closely to see how this advanced kamikaze drone performs on the international stage. With its large use and strong backing from Russia's defense industry, the Lancet-E is positioned to become a key defense product in the global UAS (Unmanned Aerial System) market, offering a potent combination of precision, versatility, and demonstrated effectiveness.