Ukrainian Forces Neutralize and Capture an Intact Russian Lancet Drone.

Ukrainian forces have recently captured a Russian Lancet drone, highlighting the growing importance of electronic warfare on modern battlefields. The captured drone is likely a Zala Z-52, developed by ZALA Aero Group, a subsidiary of Kalashnikov Concern. The Zala Z-52 Lancet is renowned for its versatility and effectiveness in precision strikes and can be launched from ground platforms and ships. This information was reported by Ukrainian Front on 7 April 2024.
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The Russian drone was captured using advanced electronic warfare (EW) techniques. (Picture source: Ukrainian Front)

The drone was captured using advanced electronic warfare (EW) techniques, which involve jamming or intercepting the control and communication signals that guide such drones. This capture not only neutralizes the immediate threat posed by these drones but also provides Ukrainian military analysts with the opportunity to study the technology for insights and potential exploitation.

Reverse engineering involves dismantling and analyzing the technology of captured equipment to understand its design, functionality, and manufacturing methods. This could allow Ukraine to potentially replicate the technology or develop countermeasures to better defend against such drones in the future. This practice has been a common tactic in military conflicts, where capturing and studying enemy equipment can lead to significant technological advances.

The ZALA Z-52 is a drone specifically designed for engaging ground-based targets, such as military equipment and other strategic objectives, located at the front lines and behind enemy lines. This drone has an effective range of over 30 kilometers, allowing it to operate at a relatively safe distance for its operators while reaching distant targets.

It is equipped with a 3-kilogram payload, which can consist of fragmentation or cumulative munitions, depending on the type of target. These payloads are triggered either by a pre-contact fuse, which explodes before contact, or by a contact fuse, which detonates upon impact.

The ZALA Z-52 is powered by an electric engine, which gives it a reduced acoustic signature compared to drones with combustion engines, making it harder to detect. Its maximum speed exceeds 80 kilometers per hour, making it swift in mission execution.

For targeting, it uses a video camera or an infrared camera, allowing it to conduct operations both day and night. Additionally, its construction from composite materials offers both lightness and robustness, enhancing its maneuverability and durability in hostile environments.

This capture underscores the arms race in military technology and electronic warfare, highlighting the critical importance of EW systems in modern conflicts. The ability to effectively use and counter unmanned systems and their supporting technologies can significantly alter the strategic balance in such conflicts where the use of drones is pervasive.