The Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has published data on enterprises involved in the production of Russian loitering muniti

The relevant data was released by the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine on the War&Sanctions portal in the “Components in Weapons” section.

  • “Lancet” (known as “izdeliye-51”) is one of the most widely used enemy strike UAVs, produced by Zala Aero Group, which is affiliated with the Kalashnikov concern.

As noted by DIU, the remains of a UAV shot down over Kyiv on March 16 were identified specifically as a “Lancet”, which may indicate that the enemy has upgraded this weapon system. Previously, its primary purpose was to strike vehicles, equipment, and firing positions at tactical and operational depths.

  • “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 UAVs are guided by an operator in real time; however, in the “Lancet”, the enemy is attempting to implement elements of autonomous targeting, including the use of artificial intelligence modules, in particular solutions based on Nvidia Jetson. Similar technologies were previously identified in other enemy UAVs, such as the V2U.

In total, 62 electronic components have been identified as part of the “Lancet” and “Scalpel” systems during this update. Most of them are of foreign origin — primarily from the United States, as well as Switzerland and China.

Despite sanctions, Russia retains access to critically important technologies and continues to improve its weapons.

Even such high-tech products as modules for AI-based solutions remain accessible to it.

It should be recalled that a similar module was also identified in the Iranian-made “Geran-2” UAV of the MS series, which indicates joint efforts by Russia and Iran in their modernization.

The technologies currently used against Ukraine pose a potential threat to other regions of the world as well.

The publication of such data is intended to strengthen sanctions pressure and limit the aggressor’s access to modern technologies.