Foreign interest in the Russian reconnaissance projectile “Lancet” has been growing, but its export has been hindered by the high demand for it within the Russian Armed Forces. This was revealed by Alexander Mikheev, CEO of “Rosoboronexport,” during the Dubai Airshow 2023 International Aviation and Space Exhibition.
The “Lancet,” developed by Russian company ZALA, is an unmanned and versatile projectile that was showcased for the first time in June 2019 at the “Army-2019” military exhibition in Moscow. Despite its potential appeal to foreign buyers, the lack of export documentation and the Russian military’s requirement for the projectile have prevented its international distribution.
The significance of the “Lancet” became evident when retired Major General Sergey Krivonos of the Ukrainian Armed Forces claimed that the Russian army is using these unmanned aerial vehicles to disable Ukrainian equipment. The drones are reportedly equipped with explosive projectiles, effectively neutralizing Ukrainian armored vehicles. This revelation has prompted concerns within the Ukrainian military, as their existing defense measures are deemed inadequate against this new threat.
Furthermore, Forbes magazine has previously highlighted the destructive capabilities of the Russian “Lancet” drones, emphasizing the urgent need for the Ukrainian Armed Forces to develop alternative methods of protecting their equipment. The drones’ ability to target and destroy armored vehicles has exposed a vulnerability in the Ukrainian military’s defense strategy, necessitating immediate action.
In addition to the “Lancet,” other drones, such as the “Zhirinovsky,” have also been observed in the region, further adding to the complexity and challenges faced by the self-proclaimed republics.
Overall, the interest in the Russian reconnaissance projectile “Lancet” has been hindered by its high demand within the Russian Armed Forces and the lack of export documentation. The deployment of these unmanned aerial vehicles by the Russian army has raised concerns among the Ukrainian military, highlighting the need for improved defense measures. The situation remains complex, with the existence of other drones in the region exacerbating the challenges faced by the self-proclaimed republics.
