Russia is set to introduce its Lancet-E loitering munition to the Middle East for the first time. As reported by Interfax, this drone will be featured at the upcoming IDEX defense exhibition in Abu Dhabi, which is scheduled to begin next week. The Russian delegation will be headed by First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov.

Moscow is making a significant impact at IDEX, with its exhibition space covering over 2,000 square meters. The Russian Defense Ministry informed Interfax that the country’s presence at IDEX is typically substantial. “This year, Russia will present a record number of new defense industry products, including several global premieres.”

The Lancet-E kamikaze drone, specifically designed for export, has emerged as a prominent addition to the loitering munitions category, particularly after its debut at the Army-2024 International Defense Exhibition in Russia. Developed by Zala Aero Group, part of the Kalashnikov Concern, this drone represents an advancement of the Lancet series, featuring modifications aimed at international markets.

The Lancet-E is an upgraded version of the original Lancet loitering munition, which gained attention for its performance during the Ukrainian conflict. This model offers an operational range of 70-80 kilometers, significantly exceeding the 40 kilometers of earlier versions, due to its sophisticated reconnaissance and control systems. The Lancet-E incorporates the Z-16-E reconnaissance drone along with two kamikaze variants, the Item 51-E and Item 52-E, each designed for specific engagement scenarios.

The Lancet-E drone features a lightweight composite airframe that significantly boosts its durability and operational efficiency. Equipped with a brushless electric motor from AXI Model Motors, it can sustain flight for up to 40 minutes, offering ample time for effective target acquisition.

Its propulsion system is enhanced by advanced guidance technologies, which include an optoelectronic system for pre-flight programming and a TV guidance unit for terminal phase control, ensuring accurate targeting.

A notable aspect of the Lancet-E is its versatility in various combat situations, as it can be fitted with different warhead types. Options include high-explosive, high-explosive fragmentation, and cumulative warheads, enabling it to engage a wide range of targets, from armored vehicles to fortified structures and naval vessels.

The drone’s payload capacity has been increased to accommodate warheads weighing up to 5 kilograms, a marked improvement from the previous models’ 3-kilogram limit, thereby enhancing its destructive capabilities.

In comparison to other drones in the Lancet series, the Lancet-E is distinguished by its export-oriented enhancements. While the original Lancet-1 and Lancet-3 were primarily designed for domestic applications, with the Lancet-1 featuring a smaller 1 kg warhead and the Lancet-3 a 3 kg variant, the Lancet-E offers a more adaptable and powerful solution.

The Lancet-E enhances both the range and the quality of video transmission, which is essential for operators managing missions remotely. It also features a thermal camera for nighttime operations, a capability not present in previous models, thereby offering a tactical edge in low-light scenarios.

Another key feature of the Lancet-E is its compatibility with advanced communication and navigation systems, specifically designed to better withstand electronic warfare. In contrast to the standard Lancet models that may depend more on manual operation, the Lancet-E incorporates semi-autonomous functions, which help mitigate the chances of interception or jamming by adversarial forces.

From an operational perspective, the Lancet-E serves more than just a destructive purpose; its reconnaissance abilities facilitate strategic targeting, making it a versatile asset in contemporary warfare. The drone’s capacity to loiter above the battlefield, poised to strike at the most advantageous moment, distinguishes it as a valuable tool for both surveillance and precision attack missions.

The Russian Lancet kamikaze drone has emerged as a notable participant in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, recognized for its accurate strikes and relatively low expense. Since its debut in late 2022, the Lancet has garnered both praise and criticism regarding its battlefield effectiveness.

The Lancet is a type of loitering munition designed to remain airborne over a designated area until it identifies a target. Upon locking onto a target, it descends to execute a strike, functioning effectively as a one-way attack drone. There are two variants of the Lancet: the Lancet-1 and the Lancet-3, which primarily differ in their dimensions and payload capacities.

The Lancet-3, capable of carrying a payload of up to 3 kg, has gained attention for its effectiveness in neutralizing high-value targets, including tanks, artillery pieces, and air defense systems.

The Lancet has demonstrated its operational effectiveness through several notable achievements. It has been reported to have destroyed or damaged Leopard tanks, Western-supplied artillery such as the M777, and air defense systems like the S-300. A significant event was the attack on a Ukrainian Su-25 at Dolgintsevo airfield, which highlighted its extended operational range, surpassing the initially stated 40 kilometers.

Social media footage and frontline reports frequently emphasize the Lancet’s capability to engage moving targets, indicating substantial advancements in its guidance and autonomous functionality.

As of December 2023, there have been 872 recorded instances of Lancet deployment, boasting an 80% success rate with claims of 698 Ukrainian targets destroyed. However, this figure is derived from publicly accessible information and may not encompass the entirety of operations, given the secretive nature of many drone engagements.

The Lancet, while demonstrating notable successes, is not without its drawbacks. Ukrainian forces have employed various strategies to counter these drones effectively. They have utilized electronic warfare systems to disrupt the drones’ communications, resulting in missed targets or the neutralization of drones during flight.

Additionally, there is evidence of physical countermeasures, such as anti-drone cages surrounding critical military assets, which have occasionally shielded equipment from Lancet attacks. The drone’s performance is also diminished when confronted with sophisticated air defense systems or when its reconnaissance support is compromised.

The Lancet’s dependence on Western microchips, despite existing sanctions, raises concerns regarding supply chain vulnerabilities. Furthermore, the drone is vulnerable to small arms fire, as demonstrated in instances where Ukrainian forces successfully shot them down using rifles or anti-aircraft weapons.

Undeniably, the Lancet stands out as one of Russia’s most effective new weapons in this conflict, offering a cost-efficient means for precision strikes against high-value targets. Its capability to operate autonomously after target designation provides an advantage in counter-battery operations against Ukrainian artillery. However, the drone’s effectiveness is significantly influenced by the availability of reconnaissance support and the operational context, including the electronic warfare capabilities of both parties involved.

From a strategic perspective, the Lancet has compelled Ukraine to modify its defense strategies, both in terms of technology and tactics. The emergence of this drone has catalyzed advancements in counter-drone technologies and methodologies, particularly through the deployment of FPV [First-Person View] interceptors, which have significantly diminished the operational effectiveness of Lancet by targeting both the drones and their operators.