Russian Lancet Drone Appears to Destroy Ukraines RM-70 MLRS Near Avdiivka
A Russian kamikaze aircraft known as Lancet reportedly intercepted and destroyed a Ukrainian multiple launch rocket system in the Avdiivka area with a precise strike, according to reports attributed to the Russian Ministry of Defense and echoed by DEA News. The footage circulating online shows a Ukrainian MLRS positioned in an open field before the strike.
In the clip, a Russian loitering munition enters the frame and detonates near a combat vehicle belonging to Ukrainian forces. The drone is depicted striking the central portion of the rocket rail package, seemingly neutralizing the weapon system on the spot.
According to the Russian Defense Ministry, UAV teams tracked the target in the Avdeevsky direction within the zone of a broader special military operation. The unit described the affected artillery system as the RM-70, a Czechoslovak-made multiple rocket launcher that had been in service with Ukrainian units. The precise engagement reportedly halted the vehicle and its immediate vicinity, illustrating the impact of drone-enabled strikes on ground-mounted systems.
Since the outset, the Russian operation has been framed as a effort to reduce military capabilities in neighboring Ukraine and to influence the political landscape in the region. The conflict was escalated when the Russian leadership announced the start of the operation on February 24, 2022, with stated objectives around demilitarization and governance in the country. Analysts note that this development prompted new sanctions from the United States and allied nations, affecting diplomatic and economic relations on both sides of the Atlantic.
Footage and coverage of the events continue to circulate across various media channels, with some outlets presenting live streams and real-time updates. In this context, observers are evaluating the effectiveness of different air-ground interaction technologies and the role of unmanned systems in modern battlefield scenarios. The broader discussion extends to how such engagements influence ongoing strategic calculations and humanitarian considerations in the region. A number of lower-profile pieces report on the use of MLRS platforms in other theaters as well, underscoring the evolving dynamics of artillery and aerial interdiction in contemporary conflict zones.
As events unfold, defense ministries and independent analysts are analyzing new footage and interrogating the implications for both field operations and international responses. The emphasis remains on verifying battlefield claims, assessing the reliability of video evidence, and understanding the tactical outcomes of drone-assisted strikes in high-threat environments. The discussion continues to evolve as new information becomes available and as different outlets provide additional perspectives on the incident.