Did Russians Use Mirrors to Increase the Number of Lancet Drones in Their Video?

 

Propaganda has not changed much – and is still often used to distort information. Like, for example, increasing the number of Lancet drones in a Russian production facility with the help of mirrors. But it is possible to collect some useful information even from such unreliable material.

A kamikaze drone “Lancet”. Illustrative image from open sources via Defense Express

The video depicting the production environment where local employees produce new UAVs was published recently on social networks. But even knowing the purpose of why this footage has been produced, the Ukrainian intelligence still thinks such material can provide bits of valuable information.

The video showcased the production of kamikaze drones called Lancet at Zala-Aero, a subsidiary of the Kalashnikov concern.

According to commentaries in media sources, the creators used mirrors to exaggerate the production scale. The visual effect of mirrors is particularly visible starting from 0:20, and the video itself can be viewed on YouTube or here below:

What useful information can this propaganda video reveal about Lancet drones?

Previously, Kremlin claimed that the Lancet could independently locate targets on the battlefield.

However, the video unintentionally admitted that a Supercam-type reconnaissance UAV, also manufactured by Kalashnikov, must work in conjunction with the kamikaze drone to aim at the target and confirm the impact.

The developers of the Lancet also mentioned an improved version referred to as “Izdelie 53,” which features folding wings, can be launched from a transport and launch container, and is purportedly capable of attacking targets in a swarm formation.

Lancet drones flying in a swarm formation – rendered demonstration, still image from the video.

However, the video relied on animations to showcase its capabilities, and until now, no real-world demonstrations of the drone swarm functionality have been shown to the public.

The video mentions that the manufacturer successfully addressed the challenge of scaling up production by utilizing available administrative resources.

Ukrainian intelligence assumes that this claim could be true: it is possible to increase the manufacturing rates by engaging individuals interested in assembling unmanned aircraft models, potentially attracting them as future specialists in UAV assembly.