Specifications of Lancet E, an Agile and Economical Russian-Made Drone

JAKARTA – Drone Lancet The Russian-made E is shaped like an angular gray tube with two sets of four wings and is now a threat in modern warfare.

The launch of the Lancet E unmanned drone a month ago added to Russia’s image as a producer of sophisticated war weapons. Even the Lancet 3, the previous edition, was proven capable of destroying Ukrainian Leopard 2 tanks and Caesar howitzers.

Reporting from Reuters, Saturday (17/8/2024) Rosoboronexport JSC, part of Rostec State Corporation, introduced the Lancet E system at the Army-2024 International Military Technical Forum defense exhibition in Kubinka. This series is an export version of the Lancet which has proven effective on the battlefield.

The Lancet E consists of a Z-16-E reconnaissance drone and two kamikaze (loitering munitions) drones, Item 51-E and Item 52-E. They differ in range and maximum takeoff weight.

“The advantage of Lancet E lies in its highest effectiveness on the battlefield and the ability to engage a wide range of targets, from all types of armored vehicles and fortifications to hitting surface targets,” said Alexander Mikheev, Director General of Rosoboronexport.

These advantages make Russia confident to export Lancet E which is expected to sell more than 1,000 sets.

“Certainly support from the Russian Defense Ministry has encouraged increased production of Lancet E as an efficient way to attack high-value Western equipment provided to Ukraine for counterattacks,” said Samuel Bendett, a senior fellow at the Center for American Security.

According to Russian sources, a Lancet drone costs about 3 million rubles or around Rp. 527 million. Lancet is considered more economical because it is a single-use device that will self-destruct on impact. This can only be done if the cost is reduced to tens of thousands of dollars per drone.