The Russian Lancet loitering munition has received upgraded communications and navigation systems designed to preserve full operational capability under intense enemy electronic warfare interference. New footage published by the manufacturer shows an element on the drone that was absent from earlier versions.

A flat printed antenna with crossed dipoles has been installed on the upper section of the fuselage. Such designs are generally used to improve the resilience of data transmission channels and maintain high-precision satellite positioning under active jamming.

The appearance of the new antenna indicates a further increase in the Lancet’s resistance to electronic warfare systems. The upgraded system is intended to maintain stable communications and navigation even when the enemy attempts to suppress control and satellite signals.

It was previously reported that new variants of the Lancet drone family can continue carrying out an attack after losing contact with the operator due to electronic warfare interference. The onboard guidance system independently identifies potential targets and, once the operator confirms the selected object, switches to an autonomous attack.

At the same time, concern is growing in the West over the Russian military’s sharply increased use of modified jet-powered drones from the Geran family. The new versions of the long-range strike drone can reach speeds of between 300 and 500 kilometers per hour, significantly reducing the time available for detection and interception.

The higher speed and increased flight altitude of the jet-powered Geran drones create an additional problem for Ukrainian air defenses. These characteristics seriously complicate the work of mobile fire groups and interceptor drones that were originally designed to counter slower aerial targets.