Next-level threat: Ukraine intel details modernized drone Russia used to strike Kyiv
Photo: Ukraine's intel has revealed details about the drone Russia used to attack central Kyiv (mil.in.ua)
Russian troops attacked central Kyiv on March 16 with a Lancet-type drone, which has recently undergone significant modernization, according to the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine (HUR).
According to the HUR, the remains of the drone shot down over Kyiv on March 16 were identified specifically as a Lancet, which may indicate the enemy has upgraded this UAV, whose primary purpose previously was to strike equipment and firing positions at tactical and operational depths.
The Lancet, or Izdeliye-51, is one of the most widely used strike UAVs by the enemy, produced by Zala Aero Group, which is affiliated with the Kalashnikov concern.
The Scalpel is a lesser-known product developed by the Vostok design bureau, which, due to its X-shaped wing design, is referred to as the “younger brother” of the Lancet.
Both drones are guided by an operator in real time. However, in the Lancet, the enemy is attempting to implement elements of autonomous guidance, including artificial intelligence modules based on Nvidia Jetson.
Lancet components
In total, 62 electronic components were identified as part of the Lancet and Scalpel during the update. Most of them are of foreign origin, primarily from the United States, as well as from Switzerland and China.
“The technologies used today against Ukraine pose a potential threat to other regions of the world. The publication of such data is intended to help limit the aggressor’s access to modern technologies,” the HUR added.
Background
On Monday, March 16, the Russian troops attacked Kyiv with strike drones. One of the UAVs, a Lancet, reached central Kyiv and fell on Maidan Nezalezhnosti.
The head of the Center for Countering Disinformation under the National Security and Defense Council, Andrii Kovalenko, noted that the Russians may have dropped these drone fragments using AI, since such a drone could not have reached Kyiv from the territory of the aggressor state.
Russia launched 40 expensive Lancet drones at Kyiv solely to show Russians the debris of these drones in the Ukrainian capital. They had absolutely no chance of reaching their target.
