Russian Lancet Drone Destroys 120 Ukrainian T-64 Tanks, New Mobile Launcher Unveiled in Parade Rehearsal

Russian drone manufacturer ZALA Aero has claimed that its Lancet loitering munition has destroyed 121 Ukrainian T-64 tanks since the beginning of the war.

The company released video recordings to support its claim, emphasizing the tank's vulnerability to precision drone strikes.

“The T-64 has become the most mass-produced tank of the Ukrainian army,” ZALA said in a recent press release. According to the company, real-time targeting information was provided by its Z-16 reconnaissance UAVs, allowing the Lancet drones to strike from unexpected angles. These attacks reportedly led to frequent detonation of onboard ammunition inside the tanks.

The T-64, originally developed in the 1960s, forms the backbone of Ukraine’s armored forces. Modernized variants like the T-64BV and T-64BM Bulat were equipped with updated armor, thermal imaging, satellite navigation, and improved communication systems. Ukrainian media had estimated around 800 T-64 tanks were operational at the start of the conflict.

ZALA's Lancet drone has been widely used by Russian forces for attacking tanks, howitzers, radar systems, and other high-value targets in Ukraine. The drone can loiter for up to 60 minutes, strike targets up to 40 kilometers away, and is guided via electro-optical systems with real-time video feeds. According to battlefield footage, the drone often works in coordination with surveillance UAVs for precise targeting and damage confirmation.

On April 20, an image from a night-time rehearsal in Moscow ahead of the upcoming Victory Day military parade showed a new mobile launcher system for Lancet drones mounted on a KamAZ 8x8 truck. The vehicle appears to support two drones alongside a rail launcher at the rear.

The new launcher setup suggests a tactical shift in how Russia deploys its drone forces—prioritizing mobility and survivability. Analysts say the configuration allows rapid launches and repositioning, decreasing vulnerability to enemy counterstrikes. The KamAZ truck offers high off-road performance, enabling the launcher to be used in diverse terrains.

The appearance of this system during parade preparations signals its operational readiness and reinforces the Russian military’s intent to incorporate mobile loitering munitions into its broader combat doctrine.

Meanwhile, the ZALA Z-16 reconnaissance drone, which feeds coordinates to Lancet operators, can detect threats, carry out evasive maneuvers, and continue missions under electronic warfare conditions. It provides target data for air and artillery strikes and can operate for over four hours at altitudes up to 5,000 meters.