Lancet Drone Debuts in Mali With First Reported Strike
Russian African Corps used a Lancet drone in Mali for its first reported strike in Africa, hitting a militant pickup near Timbuktu, ZALA says.
Servicemen of the Russian Defence Ministry’s African Corps have used the Lancet reconnaissance and strike system in Mali for the first time.
According to the ZALA Telegram channel, the target was detected in the Timbuktu region by a Z-16 reconnaissance drone. The vehicle was identified as a militant pickup truck that had been monitoring military facilities. After it was spotted, the vehicle was struck by a Lancet kamikaze drone, with Russian reconnaissance units confirming its destruction.
ZALA said the strike in the Timbuktu region became the first publicly reported use of the Lancet loitering munition on the African continent.
The Lancet has already built a strong track record during the special military operation in Ukraine. Its developers continue to upgrade the drone, extending its operational range and improving other key characteristics.
The system is produced by ZALA Aero, part of the Kalashnikov Concern. It is equipped with several guidance options, including coordinate-based, optoelectronic and combined systems. The drone also transmits target imagery through a television communication channel, allowing the strike result to be confirmed. The system can engage targets at a range of up to 40 kilometers, while its maximum takeoff weight is 12 kilograms.