Russia readies next-generation Lancet suicide drones for use in Ukraine

ZALA Aero Group (part of the Kalashnikov concern) is finalizing the development of a new generation of suicide drones, known for now as «Izdeliye-53», which represents a major evolution of its current flagship product, the Lancet 3.

In an interview given to Russian media, the Izdeliye-53 (project 53) new loitering munition of the Lancet family which incorporates new capabilities and functionalities, was presented to the public for the first time, representing the next evolutionary step in this type of offensive systems.

Кадры с новой модификацией «Ланцета». Что здесь можно сказать, на фоне сонного царства оленевода и придворных попильных контор и свечных заводиков есть исключения. Одно из них как раз «Ланцет». pic.twitter.com/BQT1ASVR6r

— Andrei_bt (@AndreiBtvt) July 16, 2023

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New transport and launching method

The first of the new features that catches the eye is that the Izdeliye-53 comes encased in a sealed tube, which is used for storage, transport and from which it is launched. This represents a substantial advantage over the current Lancet launch system, which must first be assembled and then mounted on a pneumatic rail for launch. In this way, the deployment and firing process is simplified and expedited, decreasing the vulnerability of the servitors of this type of weapon.

In the video, in addition to the single launch tube, it was also shown how they can be deployed in a quadruple container for salvo attacks.

See also: Baykar unveils new loitering ammunition for drones with more than 50 km range

Swarming capability

One of the major advantages of this new generation of suicide drones will be the ability to form swarms of several units, capable of coordinated attacks on multiple targets on the battlefield.

Many Izdeliye-53s will be able to be launched over the battlefield simultaneously, flying in «swarms» and sweeping the territory with their optronic sensors. Once one of the loitering munitions locates a target, it communicates this to the rest of the swarm via a data link, before diving on it. This capability will allow each target to be attacked by a single drone, while the rest continue their exploration in search of more targets to destroy.

Lancet loitering munitions have proven to be one of the most effective weapons in the Russian arsenal, and certainly many of the lessons learned from their use in the Ukrainian war must have been applied in the design of the Izdeliye-53. The arrival on the battlefield of this next generation of suicide drones, much more lethal (especially because of their swarming capability), will require the development of new defensive techniques and capabilities that can effectively deal with this new threat.