Russia shows off series of suicide UAV production lines

The Russian military released a video of Minister Shoigu visiting a series of defense industry factories, including the Geran and Lancet suicide UAV production lines.

Russian military television reported on February 10 that Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu visited units of the Central Military District, then inspected the progress of implementing orders for reconnaissance and suicide unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) at defense industry factories in Udmurtia.

The video shows Mr. Shoigu inspecting the production line of the Geran-2 and Lancet suicide UAVs of the Kalashnikov concern, the Supercam reconnaissance aircraft factory, the facility that produces the Vikhr anti-tank guided missile and short-range air defense missiles for the Strela-10 complex.

Russia shows off series of suicide UAV production lines — Mr. Shoigu visited the production line of UAVs and guided missiles in a video released on February 10. Video: *Zvezda*

"The Defense Minister was presented with new composite materials that significantly increase the survivability of UAVs. Zala Aero also presented the development of new-generation UAVs based on experience in special operations, allowing real-time data analysis and processing, connecting all products into a unified network capable of automatically identifying and attacking targets," the Russian military said.

In a meeting with defense business leaders later, Shoigu set a goal of increasing the quality and output of UAVs by stepping up automation of production lines.

Suicide UAVs are designed to carry explosives and attack targets behind enemy lines. Unlike traditional large UAVs that can launch missiles, drop bombs, and return to base after the attack, suicide UAVs only launch a single attack.

Russia is deploying many types of suicide UAVs for the campaign in Ukraine, notably the Geran-2 with an estimated range of 2,500 km and the Lancet, which specializes in attacking targets in frontline areas.

Their small size, composite construction, and low infrared signature make them difficult to detect. Their low cost and large numbers make Ukrainian soldiers reluctant to fire expensive anti-aircraft missiles to intercept them.

In an article about technological challenges on the battlefield published in November 2023, General Valeri Zaluzhny, then commander of the Ukrainian army, mentioned Russia's cruise missiles and emphasized that this weapon is "very difficult to deal with".

Vu Anh (According to Zvezda, Reuters )

Source link