MOSCOW REGION, RUSSIA – JUNE 25, 2019: A ZALA Lancet-3 attack drone developed by Kalashnikov Concern on display at the Army 2019 International Military Technical Forum at Patriot Park. Marina Lystseva/TASS
The Russian military has destroyed or damaged four more radar and air defense systems of Kiev forces with Lancet loitering munitions.
Between May 26 and 31, Russian news sources shared videos and photos documenting the pinpoint loitering munition strikes, which targeted Soviet-made 9K33 Osa short-range air defense system, P-18 long-range air surveillance VHF radar, 36D6 long-range air surveillance E/F band 3D radar and a Buk-M1 medium-range air defense system.
The Osa was hidden in a wearhouse, while the P-18, 36D6 and the Buk-M1 were protected by special nets. Despite these protective measures, all four systems were hit.
Click to see full-size image. Via Twitter.
Click to see full-size image. Via Twitter.
The Lancet was developed by the ZALA Aero Group, a subsidiary of Russia’s defense giant Kalashnikov Concern. The company produces two versions of the loitering munition, the Izdeliye-52 with an endurance of 30 minutes and a one-kilogram warhead and the larger Izdeliye-51 that has an endurance of 40 minutes and is armed with a warhead weighting three kilograms.
Both versions are equipped with a GLONASS-aided inertial navigation system, a laser ranging system and an electro-optical system that can detect, track and lock on static and moving targets.
The small radar cross-section and minimal infrared signature of the loitering munition makes it suitable for use in suppression of enemy air defenses operations.
The Russian military has destroyed 25 radars and communication systems and 32 air defense systems of Kiev forces with Lancet loitering munitions since the start of the special operation in Ukraine, according to Lostarmour.info, a website that tracks and documents military losses.
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