Lancet-3, screen grab from Russia-24 report.
On December 22, a video documenting two recent Russian strikes with Lancet loitering munitions on Ukrainian radar systems surfaced online.
The first strike targeted a P-18 radar system. The P-18 is a 2D VHF early warning radar with a maximum range of 250 kilometers. It was developed in the Soviet Union.
The second strike hit a 36D6 radar system while it was on the move. The 36D6, which was also developed in the Soviet Union, is a 3D E/F Band surveillance radar with a maximum range of 350 kilometers. It can be also it can be s used as a reconnaissance and targeting system for the S-300 long-range air-defense system.
The ZALA Aero Group, a subsidiary of Russia’s defense giant Kalashnikov Concern, produces two versions of the loitering munition, the Izdeliye-51 and Izdeliye-52.
The Izdeliye-52 is the base version of the Lancet with an endurance of 40 minutes and a three-kilogram warhead. The Izdeliye-51 is an improved version that features a more aerodynamic design with extended X-shaped wings which enable it to stay in the air of up to an hour and carry a warhead weighting five kilograms.
Both versions are equipped with an elector-optical system that allows them to detect, track and lock on static and moving targets.
The Lancet has proven to be highly effective for use in suppression of enemy air defense operations. In the last few months, the Russian military used Lancet loitering munitions to target at least 18 radars, communications and air-defense systems in the special military operation zone in Ukraine. This number includes only documented strikes.
