Russian "Lancet" Drones Pose Growing Threat to Ukrainian Forces

Ukrainian forces have indicated that "Moscow is intensifying its use of low-cost suicide drones capable of destroying equipment valued much higher than themselves, and countering them is not easy." According to Ukrainian soldiers, "the Lancet drone has posed an increasing threat to Ukraine's front lines in recent months." In talks with Reuters, soldiers from four different artillery groups described the Lancet as "one of the main threats they face on the battlefield." Samuel Bendett, a researcher at the Center for a New American Security, noted that "the Russian Defense Ministry is encouraging increased production of Lancets, viewing them as a cheap means to target high-value equipment." He added, "The cost to manufacture a Lancet drone is around three million rubles, which is approximately 35,000 dollars."