Ukraine has long-range drones that destroy Russian mobile air defense systems. Forbes writes about this.
The new weapons were called “Ukrainian Lancets” because they are similar to Russian UAVs. The increased range of drones allows them to hit many new targets, and the Ukrainians are taking advantage by attacking expensive equipment before the Russians can move it to safety.
The new drone was first mentioned in a Telegram note on the official channel of the Khortitsa operational-strategic group, which is fighting on the eastern front of Ukraine.
“As a result of aerial reconnaissance, an enemy 2S6 Tunguska air defense system was discovered in the area of the Zarya settlement. RAM X ammunition was fired at the detected target. As a result of fire damage, the detected target received serious damage,” said that publication.
Several more strikes using the same type of UAV appeared in a new video of the SBU of Ukraine, which showed the destruction of various air defense systems of the occupiers: two Buk launchers, a Buk radar, two Tor systems, Strela-10, " Tunguska" and the like. These are expensive assets that will be difficult or impossible to replace in wartime.
Another video from April 10 showed a successful strike on Russia's Borisoglebsk-2 mobile electronic warfare system, which apparently failed to jam either the attack drone or the surveillance drone that filmed the strike.
There are several interesting points here, the authors of the material note. One is that the Tunguska, an air defense system with a twin 30mm cannon, four surface-to-air missiles and its own integrated radar that is supposed to shoot down drones, was tracked and destroyed by Ukrainian drones.
Another interesting point is the name of the drone. RAM X is a modernized version of RAM II ammunition produced by the Ukrainian company CDET. The company produces the hugely successful Leleka-100 reconnaissance drone, which has a wingspan of 3 meters and an endurance of over two hours, making it a valuable asset.
In addition, in the video of defeats of Russian equipment, the drone itself that attacks it is practically not visible. Unlike the Lancet, which is easily recognized in attack videos by its distinctive white silhouette with twin X-wings.
Ukrainian "Lancets"
Russian Lancet ammunition played a significant role in the war in Ukraine. The main caveat was that it was only produced in small quantities, apparently due to a Ukrainian drone strike on a plant that produces vital components.
In February 2024, Ukraine's Minister of Digital Transformation Mikhail Fedorov stated that two Ukrainian equivalents of the Lancet drone were in production and would soon be put into service.
RAM X is probably one of those products. Other developments include the Perun, which looks like a direct copy of the Lancet. And although the Russian Lancet costs approximately 30 thousand US dollars, Ukrainian analogues will be produced at a much lower price and in much larger quantities.
The role of drones in war
Drones have become one of the key weapons used in the war in Ukraine. Moreover, both sides use them. We are talking about both FPV drones and attack drones.
Against this background, a “Drone Army” even appeared in Ukraine. Every week she destroys a lot of enemy equipment. For example, between April 2 and April 10, 30 Russian tanks, 86 armored combat vehicles and almost 100 guns were hit.
Earlier, a NATO official said that Ukrainian kamikaze drones were responsible for two-thirds of the latest losses of Russian tanks. But this could be a warning sign, as Ukraine's heavy reliance on drones suggests a lack of alternatives.
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