Explained - Most commonly used Russian drones

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This issue serves as your guide to understanding the evolving landscape of defense technology. It clarifies current trends, unpacks new programs, and dissects pivotal events that influence military operations globally, providing insights into the dynamics shaping today’s and tomorrow's battlefield.

Overview of Russian Drones in Ukraine

In the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Russia has deployed a variety of drones to carry out reconnaissance, targeting, electronic warfare, and direct attack missions. Among these, the Orlan-10, Lancet, SuperCam 350, and Eleron have emerged as the most frequently used UAVs, each bringing unique capabilities to the battlefield.

Orlan-10: The Reconnaissance Workhorse

Technical Specs:

• Wingspan: 3.1 meters

• Length: 1.8 meters

• Maximum Takeoff Weight: 14 kg

• Endurance: Up to 16 hours

• Range: 150 km (can be extended with a repeater)

• Speed: 90-150 km/h

• Payload: Cameras, radio transmitters, thermal imaging sensors

The Orlan-10 is the backbone of Russia's ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) operations. Designed for versatility, it can carry multiple payloads including cameras, thermal imagers, and electronic warfare modules, making it indispensable for battlefield awareness. The drone is capable of both real-time surveillance and jamming enemy communications. One of its standout features is its ability to relay information between ground units and command centers, ensuring that Russian artillery can strike with increased accuracy and efficiency. The Orlan-10 is often deployed in coordination with other drones like the Lancet, where it helps in identifying and marking targets for attack​.

The drone's resilience in various weather conditions and its relatively low cost make it a workhorse of the Russian UAV fleet. Despite its effectiveness, the Orlan-10 has also shown vulnerabilities, particularly to electronic countermeasures employed by Ukrainian forces, which sometimes manage to disrupt its operations or force it to land​.

Lancet: The Precision Kamikaze Drone

Technical Specs:

• Lancet-1:

  • Wingspan: 1.2 meters

  • Length: 0.8 meters

  • Maximum Takeoff Weight: 5 kg

  • Payload: 1 kg warhead

  • Endurance: 30 minutes

  • Range: 40 km

• Lancet-3:

  • Wingspan: 1.5 meters

  • Length: 1.2 meters

  • Maximum Takeoff Weight: 12 kg

  • Payload: 3 kg warhead

  • Endurance: 40 minutes

  • Range: 70 km

The Lancet series is a family of loitering munitions, commonly referred to as kamikaze drones due to their self-destructive method of operation. The Lancet-3, the larger and more powerful variant, is designed to destroy or significantly damage high-value targets such as artillery pieces, tanks, and air defense systems.

One of its key advantages is its X-shaped wing design, which gives it exceptional maneuverability, allowing it to dive onto targets with precision. The Lancet drones are launched from catapults and have the ability to loiter over an area before striking, making them ideal for missions that require patience and precision. They are often deployed in tandem with Orlan-10 drones, which locate and identify targets for the Lancet to engage​.

The Lancet is particularly feared for its ability to penetrate the relatively thin armor of the tops of tanks or the roofs of armored vehicles, causing catastrophic internal damage. It has been effectively used against Ukrainian artillery, radars, and even aircraft on the ground, disrupting Ukrainian operations and causing significant material losses. Despite its effectiveness, the Lancet is not without counters; Ukrainian forces have developed various defensive measures, such as metal netting over key assets, to reduce its impact.

SuperCam 350: Long-Endurance Surveillance

Technical Specs:

• Wingspan: 2.6 meters

• Length: 1.65 meters

• Maximum Takeoff Weight: 12.5 kg

• Endurance: Up to 4 hours

• Range: 70 km

• Speed: 100 km/h

• Payload: Day/Night cameras, thermal imagers, additional ISR equipment

The SuperCam 350 is a long-endurance UAV primarily used for ISR missions over extended areas. Its ability to stay airborne for up to four hours allows it to provide continuous surveillance and gather critical intelligence over a large operational area. The drone’s modular design means it can be easily configured with different payloads, including high-resolution cameras and thermal imaging devices, making it a versatile tool for both day and night operations.

In the Ukrainian conflict, the SuperCam 350 has been instrumental in providing persistent intelligence, which is crucial for coordinating strikes and monitoring enemy movements. Its high-altitude operational capability enables it to remain relatively safe from ground-based anti-aircraft fire while still performing its reconnaissance role effectively​.

Eleron-3SV: The Tactical ISR Drone

Technical Specs:

• Wingspan: 1.47 meters

• Length: 1.2 meters

• Maximum Takeoff Weight: 5.5 kg

• Endurance: 2 hours

• Range: 25 km

• Speed: 70-130 km/h

• Payload: High-resolution cameras, thermal imagers

The Eleron-3SV is a small, tactical UAV designed for close-range reconnaissance missions. Its compact size and quiet electric motor make it difficult to detect, allowing it to operate effectively in contested areas. The drone is quick to deploy and can be launched by hand, making it ideal for use by small tactical units that require immediate intelligence on enemy positions.

The Eleron-3SV is frequently used in the Ukraine conflict to gather real-time data on Ukrainian positions, assist in directing artillery fire, and provide battlefield updates. Its ability to operate quietly and close to the ground makes it particularly useful in urban environments or densely wooded areas, where larger drones might struggle. The Eleron-3SV’s agility and ease of use have made it a staple of Russian ISR operations​.

Strategic Impact and Conclusion

The deployment of these drones has significantly shaped the dynamics of the conflict in Ukraine. The combination of the Orlan-10’s extensive reconnaissance capabilities with the Lancet’s precision strikes has enabled Russia to enhance its military effectiveness on the battlefield. Meanwhile, the SuperCam 350 and Eleron-3SV continue to provide critical ISR support, ensuring that Russian forces maintain a strategic advantage.

As the conflict evolves, these drones are likely to remain central to Russia’s military strategy, continuously challenging Ukrainian defenses and influencing the broader scope of modern warfare.