(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — During the course of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the “Lancet” kamikaze drone, manufactured by the Russian company ZALA Aero, has consistently exhibited commendable operational efficacy in combat situations.
ZALA Aero is a subsidiary of Kalashnikov Concern, a well-known Russian weapons manufacturer.
The “Lancet” kamikaze drone has struck fear into the Ukrainian military, and it has become even more dangerous after being upgraded with Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities by its manufacturer.
Previously, the drone was controlled remotely by Russian military personnel, but recent reports suggest that the “Lancet” drone now operates autonomously without any human intervention, thanks to its AI capabilities.
In practical terms, the ZALA Aero kamikaze drone can now detect, identify, and engage its targets independently, without human control or interference.
Recently, a video circulating on social media showed a “Lancet” kamikaze drone successfully targeting a RM-70 rocket system and a 152mm Dana howitzer made in the Czech Republic, which is used by the Ukrainian military.
The video was reportedly captured by the drone’s own camera as it approached its target, confirming that it now operates autonomously in detecting, identifying, and engaging targets.
If confirmed, this development represents a new capability that makes the “Lancet” kamikaze drone even more formidable for Ukrainian military personnel.
Priced at just $35,000 each, Russia uses the “Lancet” kamikaze drone to destroy expensive Ukrainian weapons such as artillery systems and air defense systems supplied by Western countries.
Previously, many videos circulated on social media demonstrated the effectiveness of the “Lancet” kamikaze drone in destroying artillery systems such as the Soviet Union’s M777, Paladin, and the Polish-made KRAB mobile artillery system, as well as Ukrainian air defense systems like the S-300 and Leopard armored vehicles.
Earlier this month, the “Lancet” kamikaze drone was reported to have successfully targeted a Ukrainian Air Force Su-25 fighter jet approximately 60 km from the Ukrainian front lines.
The attack on the Ukrainian Air Force Su-25 took place at Dolgintsevo Air Base in the Dnipropetrovsk region, indicating that Russia has successfully increased the range of the kamikaze drone.
With the extended range of the “Lancet” kamikaze drone, Russia will be able to target more Ukrainian military assets.
Previously, the manufacturer of the Russian kamikaze drone, ZALA Aero, claimed that it had the ability to fly and engage targets within a range of 60 km to 110 km.
The attack on the Ukrainian Air Force Su-25 marks the second incident in which the Russian “Lancet” drone successfully targeted a MiG-29 fighter jet at the same air base.
According to Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu, 45 percent of Ukraine’s military equipment, especially artillery systems supplied by NATO countries, has been destroyed by the “Lancet” kamikaze drone since the conflict began in February of last year.
Russian military sources, as reported by their state media, claim that the kamikaze drone is responsible for the destruction of 80 percent of mobile M109 Paladin artillery systems and 25 percent of the M777 howitzers supplied by the United States. — DSA
DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA APPS
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