ZALA Aero
ZALA 421-16EM
The ZALA 421‑16EM is a compact vertical‑takeoff and landing (VTOL) reconnaissance drone developed by ZALA Aero, a subsidiary of the Russian defense conglomerate Kalashnikov Group. The program began in 2018, aiming to provide a lightweight, ship‑borne platform capable of operating from confined decks and remote outposts. Flight testing started in early 2020, and by late 2021 the aircraft entered serial production, quickly becoming a staple of naval and border‑guard units across Russia and several allied nations.
Key features include a dual‑rotor coaxial design that delivers stable hover and forward flight without a tail‑boom, a maximum take‑off weight of 16 kg, and an endurance of up to 2 hours at a service ceiling of 4 500 m. Its payload bay carries a multimode EO/IR sensor suite, a laser designator, and an optional electronic‑warfare module, all linked to a fully encrypted ground control station. The drone’s modular construction enables rapid swapping of mission payloads, while automatic launch and recovery systems permit operation from moving vessels.
The ZALA 421‑16EM’s significance lies in its demonstration that small‑scale VTOL UAVs can deliver high‑resolution intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities traditionally reserved for larger, runway‑dependent aircraft. It has accelerated the adoption of autonomous aerial assets in maritime security, disaster response, and tactical reconnaissance, setting a benchmark for future compact VTOL platforms.
Key features include a dual‑rotor coaxial design that delivers stable hover and forward flight without a tail‑boom, a maximum take‑off weight of 16 kg, and an endurance of up to 2 hours at a service ceiling of 4 500 m. Its payload bay carries a multimode EO/IR sensor suite, a laser designator, and an optional electronic‑warfare module, all linked to a fully encrypted ground control station. The drone’s modular construction enables rapid swapping of mission payloads, while automatic launch and recovery systems permit operation from moving vessels.
The ZALA 421‑16EM’s significance lies in its demonstration that small‑scale VTOL UAVs can deliver high‑resolution intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities traditionally reserved for larger, runway‑dependent aircraft. It has accelerated the adoption of autonomous aerial assets in maritime security, disaster response, and tactical reconnaissance, setting a benchmark for future compact VTOL platforms.
Classification
Dimensions
- Mass
- 5.48 kilogram
Performance
- Service Ceiling
- 3600 metre
Production & History
- Service Entry
- 2012