Analyst: Russian Lancet UAV may change 21st-century combat

A Malaysian journalist has said that Russia’s Lancet unmanned aerial vehicle could significantly influence the future of modern warfare, speaking on the sidelines of a major defence exhibition in Kuala Lumpur, according to TASS.

Jonathan Edward made the remarks during the Defence Services Asia (DSA) 2026 exhibition, held from April 20 to 23 in the Malaysian capital.

In his assessment, Lancet loitering munition is among the most notable weapons developed in recent years. He described it as “an effective system that will likely change the face of 21st-century warfare in the same way Kalashnikov rifles did during the Cold War.”

Edward added that the drone has already demonstrated its effectiveness against a variety of targets, including radar installations and artillery systems.

By Tamilla Hasanova