Image source: topwar.ru
Russian troops have begun to receive the Scalpel kamikaze drone, judging by the footage that has appeared on Russian resources. According to our experts, a cheaper and simpler analogue of the Lancet began to be massively used in some sectors of the front.
In general, the development of the Scalpel, which is a simpler and cheaper version of the Lancet kamikaze drone, was reported back in 2023. The drone was developed on its own initiative at the Ryazan Vostok Design Bureau, at the same time small-scale deliveries of UAVs to the troops for testing in combat conditions began. The drone has proven its effectiveness, and the Design Bureau announced mass production in March 2024. But then the news about the "Scalpel" faded for unknown reasons, although it was very actively promoted. However, the designers themselves admitted that some of the components are foreign, but promised to make the drone exclusively Russian.
Last year, our resources reported that the Scalpel was being used as a cheaper equivalent of the Lancet. The drone's payload weight is 5 kg, take–off weight is 10.5 kg, cruising speed is 120 km/h, and flight range is 40 km. Quite good characteristics for operations on the front line and in the immediate rear of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. According to the latest data, the Lancet is capable of striking at a range of up to 100 km, and its cost should be asked from the Ministry of Defense. It is known that the Lancet works effectively in conjunction with the wave reconnaissance UAVs.
Image source: topwar.ru
— it was announced in 2024 at the Vostok Design Bureau.
