Zala 421-05

The Zala 421‑05, produced by the Russian UAV specialist ZALA Aero, entered service in 2015 as the latest evolution of the company’s 421 family of tactical drones. Developed in response to growing demand for compact, low‑cost platforms capable of short‑range reconnaissance, the aircraft was rolled out after a two‑year design and flight‑testing program that incorporated lessons learned from earlier models such as the 421‑08 and 421‑03. The 421‑05 features a carbon‑fiber airframe with a wingspan of 1.2 metres and a maximum take‑off weight of 4.8 kg, allowing it to be launched by hand or catapult and recovered on a skid‑landing gear. Its twin‑propeller pusher configuration delivers a cruise speed of 70 km/h, a flight endurance of up to 45 minutes, and a communication range of 30 km, while a modular payload bay can accommodate a 0.8 kg sensor suite, including electro‑optic cameras, infrared imagers, or lightweight LiDAR. The UAV’s autonomous navigation system integrates GPS, inertial measurement units, and obstacle‑avoidance algorithms, enabling fully‑automated missions over complex terrain. Since its introduction, the Zala 421‑05 has been adopted by border‑guard agencies, oil‑pipeline operators, and disaster‑response teams, proving the strategic value of affordable, rapid‑deployment UAVs in enhancing situational awareness and reducing the need for manned flights in hazardous environments.