ZALA 421-22

The ZALA 421‑22 is a compact vertical‑take‑off and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial system developed by Russian company ZALA Aero, a subsidiary of the Kalashnikov Group. Designed in the early 2020s to meet the growing demand for short‑range reconnaissance and rapid‑response missions, the 421‑22 entered service with several Russian security agencies in 2023 and has since been exported to a handful of allied nations. The aircraft’s most distinctive feature is its patented folding‑wing‑and‑rotor configuration, which allows a fixed‑wing layout for efficient cruise flight and a rotors‑driven mode for hover and vertical ascent. Weighing under 12 kg and powered by a silent electric motor, it can carry a payload of up to 1.5 kg, supporting EO/IR cameras, LiDAR and communication relays. Endurance reaches 45 minutes at a cruising speed of 120 km/h, while its autonomous flight controller provides obstacle avoidance and GPS‑denied navigation. The ZALA 421‑22’s modular design, low acoustic signature, and rapid deployment from a standard backpack make it a valuable asset for border patrol, disaster assessment and tactical intelligence, marking a notable step forward in affordable, high‑performance VTOL UAV technology. Its ease of integration with existing command‑and‑control infrastructures has encouraged adoption by civilian emergency services, further expanding its operational relevance.