Ukraine: One-way-attack drones become a 'step change' for Russia's military effectiveness
The Russian military's effectiveness over the past year has probably been helped by the deployment of one-way-attack uncrewed aerial vehicles (OWA UAVs) in Ukraine, according to the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD).
In its latest defence intelligence update on X, formerly Twitter, the MOD outlined its belief that ZALA Lancet UAVs had become one of Russia's most effective weapons in the last 12 months.
The X-winged suicide drone is controlled remotely by a pilot who guides it to its target through real-time video transmitted from a sensor in the nose.
The Lancet, which has a 3kg warhead, is a type of loitering munition that can stay aloft for around 40 minutes while the pilot seeks to locate a prospective target.
The MOD said: "Russia's Lancet small one-way-attack uncrewed aerial systems (OWA UAVs) have highly likely been one of the most effective new capabilities that Russia has fielded in Ukraine over the last 12 months.
"Lancets are manufactured by the ZALA Aero Group. ZALA also make the small, unarmed Orlan 10 UAV which Russia often deploys alongside Lancet to spot targets. Ukraine has also experienced success with small OWA UAVs.
"Russia deploys Lancets to attack priority targets and they have become increasingly prominent in the key counter-battery fight, striking enemy artillery.
"Traditionally, Russia has used small UAVs mainly for reconnaissance. With its attack capability, Lancet has been a step change in how Russia uses this category of weapons."
Drone warfare has been a feature of the conflict in Ukraine for both sides.
Various types of unmanned craft have been used to strike targets from the air, by sea and on land.
It has been claimed that Ukraine’s anti-drone systems have been very successful in halting Russian drone attacks, particularly from the air.
Related topics
Join Our Newsletter
