In September 2025, Russia’s «Molniya-2» kamikaze drones were deployed far more frequently in the special military operation zone than the well-known «Lancet» UAV series, according to data shared by the Telegram channel Voennyi Osvedomitel («Military Informant»).

The report states that over 2,200 «Molniya-2» launches were recorded during the first month of autumn — a sharp increase from 850 in August and a new record for the system. In comparison, «Lancet» drones were used roughly 400 times during the same period.

Analysts highlighted that the more affordable and versatile «Molniya-2» has now pulled significantly ahead of its widely recognized counterpart.

The catapult-launched «Molniya-2» is a twin-engine, fixed-wing UAV capable of carrying up to six kilograms of payload and striking targets at distances of up to 30 kilometers.