Russian kamikaze drones “Lancet” produced by ZALA Aero Group, a subsidiary of the Kalashnikov concern, pose a danger to military personnel and equipment of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Kyiv Independent writes about this.
Since the drone came into widespread use on the battlefield in late 2022, the Lancet “has gained a reputation as Russia’s most effective weapon against high-value targets, often located tens of kilometers behind the line of contact.”
“Open-source lists of Ukrainian equipment destroyed by drones are grim reading for Ukrainian supporters,” writes the Kiev Independent, noting that these UAVs have destroyed Leopard tanks, various Western howitzers, launchers, and more.
An air defense expert from the 47th Ukrainian mechanized brigade told the publication: “Even when our equipment is hidden in the bushes (drone – socialbites.ca) it sees a silhouette from afar and dives into it like a hawk.”
Lacking any obvious countermeasures against the Lancet, the Ukrainian Armed Forces attempted to defend its targets with a mixed set of countermeasures. However, the publication emphasized that due to their small physical size and low thermal signature, drones are very difficult to detect with conventional air defense radars, and their low cost makes the use of guided anti-aircraft missiles against them unreasonable.
Before that Rostec reportedIt was stated that new domestic drones will be introduced in 2024.
Previously commander of the Armed Forces of Ukraine statedThat the Russian Federation has an advantage in the use of FPV drones.