DSA 2026: Russia displays upgraded Lancet-E UAVs

ZALA's upgraded Izdeliye 51E loitering munition is displayed at DSA 2026 in Kuala Lumpur. (Janes/Sohini Mandal)

Russian unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) specialist ZALA Aero Group showcased its upgraded Lancet-E family of UAVs at Defence Services Asia (DSA) 2026 exhibition held in Kuala Lumpur from 20 to 23 April.

A representative for the government's defence export agency Rosoboronexport told Janes that ZALA upgraded the Lancet-E family, consisting of Izdeliye 51E and Izdeliye 52E loitering munitions and Z-16E reconnaissance UAV, to improve range, endurance, and precision.

According to the representative, the upgraded Izdeliye 51E, named Izdeliye 51E-IR, features an increased maximum range of 45 km, compared with 40 km of the baseline. The Izdeliye 51E-IR loitering munition is capable of carrying a 5 kg payload and features a single-use catapult launching mechanism.

The upgraded Izdeliye 52E, designated Izdeliye 52E-IR, features an increased maximum range of 35 km, compared with 25 km of the baseline, the representative added. The Izdeliye 52E-IR loitering munition is capable of carrying a payload of 3 kg and features a pneumatic catapult launching mechanism.

“What's new currently [is that the loitering munitions] are being offered with modifications [including] thermal imaging,” the representative said.

According to the representative, artificial intelligence (AI)-based tracking and detection mechanisms have been integrated with the Z-16E reconnaissance UAV for improved performance.

The representative added that the upgraded domestic Lancet family is in operation with the Russian Army. The Lancet-E family consists of export variants that Rosoboronexport is offering its export customers in the Asia-Pacific region.

For more, please see:

DSA 2026: Kalashnikov offers containerised loitering munition system to Asia-Pacific countries