The ubiquitous «Lancet»
Units of the Zapad group of forces are actively using Lancet reconnaissance-strike complexes in the Krasny Liman direction. Servicemen from a separate special-purpose brigade of the Moscow Military Command are operating here. Special-purpose brigade Lancet operators hit up to 10 targets daily both at enemy positions and on their rear supply lines. Read more in the new episode of the section #operators. Lancet crews work closely with reconnaissance UAV crews ZALA Z-16. A powerful camera closely examines the target-to-be, and the drone operators pass on the exact coordinates and characteristics of the structure or equipment to their striking colleagues. Based on this information, the loitering munition technician selects the appropriate warhead. Notably, the munition is used not only against armoured vehicles and artillery pieces, but also against more specific targets such as cars, electronic warfare stations and radar systems.
There is a buzz of activity in the temporary shelter of the special forces drone operators, as UAV technicians assemble a reconnaissance bird, the ZALA Z-16. The ZALA Z-16 has ensured the destruction of thousands of units of Ukrainian Armed Forces equipment, including M777 howitzers and Leopard-2 tanks. It effectively maps enemy positions, directs artillery and multiple launch rocket fire, and finally, targets for loitering munitions such as the Lancet. The tandem with the latter has become legendary during the course of the special military operation.
– Here is the main and most formidable weapon of this «bird», – said the soldier, pointing to the HD camera with a 60x zoom. – A significant advantage is its increased resistance to interference. ZALA is equipped with secure communication channels and alternative navigation systems, which makes it possible to continue carrying out missions under the active influence of electronic warfare assets, – notes the squad leader with the call sign «Krosh». – Almost all the attempts by the Nazi-aligned Ukrainians to jam us are unsuccessful. The only thing left for them to do is to ram us with FPV drones. But that is not so easy to do. In the updated versions, the built-in artificial intelligence not only recognises targets, but also develops algorithms for autonomous evasion of enemy FPV attacks.
An instant later, a sound like a gunshot - ZALA in the air and rapidly gains altitude. Soon, confirmation arrives of the target designated by the senior commander - Ukrainian Armed Forces engineering equipment escorted by a mobile fire group is moving towards the river to build a crossing. The Lancet crew goes into action.
A sharp bang and the «formidable device» vanishes over the horizon with lightning speed. Three hundred kilometres per hour is no joke. The Lancet flies towards its target using one of its guidance systems: coordinate, optoelectronic or combined. The operator can adjust the flight via a television communication channel.
– Artificial intelligence locks onto the target and selects the optimal approach to it, – notes the deputy commander of the UAV group with the call sign «Turbo». – Even if the munition has been jammed by the enemy, for example, if telemetry fails, it will still strike where it needs to. In our slang, this means it «finishes the job on residuals» in accordance with the flight assignment.
At present, that same ZALA is serving as the means of objective monitoring. It flies around the forest area near the water barrier. The monitor clearly shows a pontoon bridge park (PMP) accompanied by a mobile fire group (MFG) in a pickup truck approaching it. Before the eye has time to register it, the Lancet literally crashes into the vehicle — just a bright flash and debris flying in all directions. Today, there certainly won't be any military engineering work by the AFU soldiers.
Based on the Krasny Voin newspaper dated 11 February 2026, No. 15 #ZALA #Lancet #Z16 #SVO #operators
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