«21st-century weapons»
Editor-in-chief of Ultimate Defence noted the effectiveness of the Lancet reconnaissance and strike system at Africa Aerospace and Defence 2026.
At the Africa Aerospace and Defence 2026 international exhibition in Pretoria, Mike de Villiers, editor-in-chief and publisher of Ultimate Defence and Global Aviator magazines, called the Russian Lancet loitering munition a weapon of the 21st century, reports TASS.
«Without a doubt, the Russian "Lancet" strike system can rightly be called a 21st-century weapon. These products are very popular globally and are showing high efficiency. I believe that the drones and loitering munitions that Russia is currently creating and producing are rightfully among the best in the world,» stated Mike de Villiers, noting that the quality of Russian devices only increases over time.
On the Rosoboronexport stand in South Africa, the ZALA Z-16E reconnaissance UAV and the «Product 52E» loitering munition are on display. The ZALA systems, which are undergoing continuous modernisation, are attracting interest from exhibition visitors, particularly those from African countries. This is partly due to their active deployment in the Special Military Operation zone and against terrorists in the Republic of Mali.
To date, more than 5,000 Lancet strikes have been officially documented in the SMO zone. The accuracy of their deployment is ensured by prompt reconnaissance using the Z-16, the IRRA intelligent on-board system trained in actual combat conditions, and the ability to operate in all weather conditions and under heavy electronic warfare countermeasures.
ZALA received official export clearance for the system.
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