Ukrainian intelligence agency reveals inner components of Russian Lancet and Scalpel drones

Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU) has published interactive 3D models, components, and electronic parts of the Russian Lancet and Scalpel loitering munitions, along with data on the companies involved in their production.

Source: DIU via the War&Sanctions portal

Details: The Lancet (known as Item 51) is one of the most widely used Russian strike UAVs, manufactured by Zala Aero Group, which is affiliated with the Kalashnikov concern.

"The remains of a UAV shot down over Kyiv on 16 March were identified as a Lancet, which may indicate that the enemy has upgraded this strike weapon, the primary purpose of which was previously the destruction of vehicles, equipment and firing positions at tactical and operational depths," Ukraine's military intelligence agency stated.

The Scalpel is a lesser-known product developed by the Vostok Design Bureau. Due to its X-shaped wing configuration, it is referred to as the "younger brother" of the Lancet.

"Both UAVs are guided by an operator in real time; however, in the Lancet, the enemy is attempting to introduce autonomous guidance elements, including through the use of artificial intelligence modules and in particular solutions based on NVIDIA Jetson. Similar technologies were previously identified in another enemy UAV – the V2U," DIU stated.

A total of 62 electronic components have been identified within the Lancet and Scalpel as part of the update. The majority of them, according to intelligence reports, are of foreign origin – primarily from the US, as well as from Switzerland and China.

"Despite sanctions, Russia retains access to critical technologies and continues to improve its own weaponry. Even such high-tech products as modules for artificial intelligence-based solutions remain accessible to it," DIU stressed.

DIU also noted that a similar module was identified in the Iranian-manufactured Geran-2 MS-series loitering munition, which is indicative of joint work between Russia and Iran on UAV modernisation.

Background: Ukraine's military intelligence recently published an interactive 3D model of the Russian Su-34 aircraft.

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