# Operators: Strikes from the sky – retribution is guaranteed
In the third issue of the new section #operators – excerpts from a report by the newspaper «Krasnaya Zvezda» on the combat operations of the ZALA «Lancet» reconnaissance-strike complex of the «Center» group of forces.
Recent assault operations in the Avdiivka direction have once again demonstrated the ability of our drone crews to operate successfully in a united team. Operators of reconnaissance UAVs uncovered areas where Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel and equipment were concentrated at strongpoints camouflaged in wooded terrain. During one incident, they promptly transmitted the target coordinates to long-range tube artillery crews and fellow operators of the Lancet loitering munition.
The UAV platoon commander with the call sign «Musician» said that reconnaissance UAVs make it possible to organise constant observation of the terrain.
«A powerful engine and a modern control system allow the drone to operate even in difficult weather conditions,» the serviceman emphasised. "A high-resolution camera helps detect camouflaged enemy positions and weaponry, as well as concentrations of their infantry and equipment.".
«Lancets,» which have already become a legend on the front lines of the Special Military Operation, are loitering munitions. These drones, combining reconnaissance, surveillance, and strike functions, are capable of circling over the battlefield for an extended period, remaining ready for an almost instantaneous precision strike. This significantly reduces the «detect-strike» time cycle, which can be decisive in modern combat conditions.
To protect themselves from «Lancets,» the Ukrainian Armed Forces have begun using special shield screens designed to take the brunt of the Russian loitering munition. The enemy is attempting to use these shields to camouflage their positions or prepare false locations for weapons and equipment.
However, the equipment, guidance system, and aerodynamic deployment scheme of the loitering munition allow it to attack from any direction and at any angle, negating all enemy stratagems.
«Lancet» drones manage to strike the full range of targets: artillery, mortars, multiple rocket launchers, anti-aircraft missile systems, armoured vehicles, motor transport, boats, ammunition depots, and enemy command posts. There have been instances recorded where they have destroyed entire units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, including quite significant ones.
This happened in the spring of last year in the Kherson direction: the Ukrainian command said goodbye here to a full S-300 SAM division. At the beginning of June this year, our «Lancet» wiped out a German-made IRIS-T SLM SAM system, costing at least 140 million euros.
There is also data indicating that of the total number of American M777 155mm towed howitzers supplied to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, at least half were destroyed or damaged precisely by «Lancets.».
The increased flight range of our strike UAVs allows for periodic visits to targets that would seem quite far from the line of combat contact, such as Ukrainian Armed Forces military airfields, by suddenly attacking enemy aircraft that have not managed to clear the runways and taxiways.
According to materials from the newspaper «Krasnaya Zvezda» dated October 21, 2024, No. 150 #ZALA #Lancet #Z16 #SVO #operators
