Prices of Russian loitering munitions revealed – photos
Serhii "Flash" Beskrestnov, an adviser to the Ukrainian defence minister and radio technology expert, has revealed the prices of six main types of loitering munitions used by Russian forces. The drones range in price from US$1,600 to US$68,000.
Source: Beskrestnov on Telegram
Details: The cheapest Russian loitering munition is the Molniya-2, manufactured by the Russian company Atlant Aero. The drone, which carries a 10-kilogramme warhead and has a range of 50 km, costs US$1,600.
"Of course, the enemy is counting on the cheap Molniya. Its price is 20-40 times lower than others in this segment," Beskrestnov wrote.
The Lancet X-51 and Lancet X-52 drones are among the most expensive tactical attack drones used by the Russians. The X-52 version costs US$40,000. It has a range of 50 km, a three-kilogramme warhead and a flight time of 40 minutes. The Lancet X-51 is more expensive, costing US$68,000. The drone is equipped with a five-kilogramme warhead, has a declared flight time of 90 minutes and a range of 130 kilometres. Both UAVs are produced by the Russian company ZALA Aero.
Beskrestnov also revealed the price of the Kub drone. These Shahed-style loitering munitions are manufactured by the Kalashnikov concern. The drone has a range of 30 km, a three-kilogramme warhead and a flight time of 30 minutes. The Kub costs around US$30,000 per unit.
The Klin UAV is the second most expensive drone on the list compiled by Beskrestnov. Priced at US$55,000, the drone is equipped with a five-kilogramme warhead, can fly 130 km and has a declared endurance of up to 120 minutes. The munition is produced by the Russian company RoboAvia.
The Skalpel drone manufactured by Vostok Design Bureau costs US$30,000. The loitering munition carries a five-kilogramme warhead, has a flight time of 40 minutes and a range of 50 km.
Background: Earlier, Defence Intelligence of Ukraine revealed the internal components of the Skalpel, Klin and Lancet X-51 drones.
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