Russian UAV manufacturer company Zala Aero Group (ZAG), a subsidiary of the Kalashnikov group, has announced the delivery of a new tactical loitering munition named IZDELIYE (PRODUCT) 55, which employs an “X-wing” design similar to the Russian kamikaze drone LANCET-3.

It is expected that the new loitering munition will be employed in Ukraine soon, supporting Russian Forces’ actions. The company stated that the new munition had been designed for tactical engagements at the platoon level, in a similar fashion to the western SWITCHBLADE 300. The PRODUCT 55 loitering munition has 4 rotors, using the “X-wing” aerodynamic scheme from the LANCET family, and it is advertised as user-friendly, and safe for the operator, with remote container launch capability. The nose sensors provide a full HD real-time monitoring of the target until the moment of impact, with the option, for the operator, to choose the optimal approach angle to the target. Always according to ZAG, the warhead weight should be 5kg, allowing the IZDELIYE 55 an operational range of 50 km; Russian sources also claimed the new LM to be able to fly in swarms and find and engage targets autonomously. The company has underlined - and advertised - the new product as completely resistant to interference or jamming.

According to the “optimistic” data provided by ZAG, between February 2022 and December 2023, 872 LANCET loitering munitions were used during the war in Ukraine, registering effectiveness in hitting targets of 80% (which corresponds to 698 targets hit). The standard Russian TTP (Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures) see the LANCET kamikaze drone family as a substitute for long-range anti-tank guided missiles, which considering the significant level of the Ukrainian air denial and counter-battery capabilities, sometimes is the only option available for the Russian commanders to engage moving target at long distance. Targets eliminated by LANCET include everything from tanks, Western howitzers, S-300 air defense launchers and radars, recovered aircraft, boats, and more.

Despite the announcement, Zala Aero Group hasn’t revealed the specifications of PRODUCT 55 loitering munition yet, but in accordance with multiple sources, it is expected they will be revealed, with other details, at the upcoming 6th edition of the Unmanned System Exhibition and Conference (UMEX-2024), scheduled to be held in the United Arab Emirates from 22nd to 25th January 2024.

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