Lancet-3, screen grab from Russia-24 report.
The map of Ukraine has been fully digitized to train operators of Russian loitering munitions Izdeliye-51 and Izdeliye-52, a spokesperson of the developer of loitering munitions, the ZALA Aero Group, told RIA Novosti on November 12.
“In order to ensure the training of cadets as close as possible to combat conditions in our training center, a map of the entire territory of Ukraine was digitized. This allows our drone simulators, including the Izdeliye-51 and Izdeliye-52 loitering munitions, to simulate missions for operators on real terrain in the area of the special operation,” the spokesperson said.
The ZALA Aero Group is a subsidiary of Russia’s defense giant Kalashnikov Concern. The company has been developing drones and electronic warfare systems for several sectors of the Russian government, including the Ministry of Defense, since its foundation in 2003.
Until very recently, the Izdeliye-51 and Izdeliye-52 loitering munitions were known only by their former official name, the Lancet.
Photos from the digilized map developed by the ZALA Aero Group. Source: Ria Novosti.
Photos from the digilized map developed by the ZALA Aero Group. Source: Ria Novosti.
Photos from the digilized map developed by the ZALA Aero Group. Source: Ria Novosti.
The Izdeliye-52 is the base version of the loitering munition, while the Izdeliye-51 is an improved version that features a more aerodynamic design with extended X-shaped wings. This version has an endurance of an hour and is armed with a warhead weighting five kilograms.
The loitering munition is equipped with an elector-optical system that allows it to detect, track and lock on static and moving targets. Its small radar cross-section and minimal infrared signature makes it nearly impossible to intercept.
The Russian military has been using the Izdeliye-51 and Izdeliye-52 loitering munitions against Kiev forces since the start of its special operation in Ukraine with much success.
In the last few weeks, the use of these munitions was significantly expanded, especially against high-value targets like armored vehicles, artillery, air defense systems and radar stations. As a result, Kiev forces sustained heavy human and material losses.
