UK Ministry of Defense: Kamikaze Drones Give Russia 'Step Change' in Ukraine Attack Capability

Russia's use of Lancet one-way attack UAVs has been one of the most effective capabilities it has deployed in the last year of the war, according to British military intelligence.

Kimberly Johnson

Wednesday, November 01, 2023 at 11:29 AM ET

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The Lancet, a small one-way-attack uncrewed aerial system. [Credit: ZALA Aero Group]

Key Takeaways:

Russia's Lancet kamikaze drones are described as a "step change" in its attack capabilities in Ukraine, being highly effective for striking priority targets like enemy artillery.
These loitering munitions are designed to identify targets before detonating, and Russia is reportedly testing new versions for mass synchronized swarm strikes.
In response to evolving drone warfare, Ukraine is significantly increasing its domestic drone production, aiming to produce thousands of UAVs monthly.

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Russia’s use of loitering kamikaze drones to attack priority targets in Ukraine has created “a step change” in its attack capability, according to British military intelligence.

“Russia’s Lancet small one-way-attack uncrewed aerial systems (OWA UAVs) have highly likely been one of the most effective new capabilities Russia has fielded in Ukraine over the last 12 months,” the U.K. Ministry of Defense said Wednesday in a message on X, formerly known as Twitter. “It is designed to be piloted over enemy territory, waiting until a target is identified, before diving towards it and detonating.”