ZALA Lancet

The ZALA Lancet is a tactical mini‑UAV developed by Russia’s ZALA Aero, a subsidiary of the Kalashnikov Concern, with its first flight in 2012. Designed for short‑range reconnaissance and strike missions, the Lancet has rapidly become a staple of the Russian armed forces and several allied users. Its compact airframe, forged from carbon‑fiber composites, measures just 0.88 meters in length and can be launched from a hand‑held catapult, allowing operation from confined terrains such as urban rooftops or ship decks. Powered by an electric brushless motor, the drone achieves a cruising speed of 120 km/h and a maximum altitude of 5 km, while its modular payload bay accommodates both electro‑optical/infrared sensors and a 2 kg precision‑guided munition. The Lancet’s autonomous navigation system combines GNSS, inertial measurement and visual‑odometry, enabling fully autonomous waypoint missions and loitering capabilities. Its significance lies in demonstrating how low‑cost, swarm‑compatible UAVs can provide real‑time battlefield intelligence and direct fire support, blurring the line between traditional reconnaissance platforms and kinetic weapons. The system’s export success and continual upgrades underscore its impact on modern asymmetrical warfare and the evolving doctrine of unmanned aerial combat.

ZALA Aero

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Design & Classification