Russia 'Successfully' Uses Kamikaze Drones in Ukraine

The Russian KUB and Lancet kamikaze drones have been intensively employed in combat operations in Ukraine, Rostec told state media on Wednesday.

"The KUB and Lancet drones have proven their worth in combat conditions. Both drones are quite quick, quiet, easy to use, capable of covering a distance of tens of kilometers and feature high accuracy," Rostec was quoted as saying by TASS News Agency.

These drones are basically used to strike remote ground targets. "In particular, the Lancet is highly autonomous and carries an optical-electronic system that helps independently ferret out and destroy a target," th company said.

The KUB drone was engineered by ZALA Aero (part of the Kalashnikov Group within Rostec). The drone carries a 3 kg warhead, can operate for 30 minutes and accelerate to 130 km/h. The KUB loitering munition successfully passed state trials in November 2021. Its mass deliveries to the Russian troops were scheduled for 2022.

The Lancet drone was also developed by ZALA Aero and features several targeting systems based on coordinates, optoelectronics and combined technology. The drone is furnished with a television communication channel to transmit images of targets and confirm their successful destruction. The drone can strike targets within a range of 40 km and has a maximum take-off weight of 12 kg.