Ukraine spots Russia deploying a mystery new petrol-powered drone that could fly further than ever before

Date:
Tue, 27 Oct 2026 22:20:00 +0000

Description:
Ukraine has identified an unfamiliar Russian gasoline-powered drone
resembling the Lancet, although its manufacturer, operational range, and technical specifications remain undisclosed.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Ukraine identifies a mysterious Russian drone powered by gasoline Red-starred wings distinguish the
unfamiliar aircraft in photographs Russia's new drone resembles the Lancet with different propulsion Ukrainian defense specialists have identified a previously unknown Russian aircraft powered by gasoline, which adds to Moscow's growing range of unmanned weapons.

The drone reportedly resembles Russia's Lancet loitering munition, although its combustion engine sets it apart from the electrically powered weapon. A new enemy drone has been spotted on the front. It resembles the Lancet in shape but has a gasoline engine. We are waiting for captured examples to study. Get in touch, said Serhii Beskrestnov, an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on defense technologies. Latest Videos From TechRadar Watch full video here: Gasoline engine distinguishes the aircraft from Lancet Images show red stars painted on the wings, but nothing visible
in the photographs identifies the aircraft or what it is designed to do.

According to Beskrestnov, the name, manufacturer, and specifications have emerged, yet he has declined to release them until they are confirmed. You
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The propulsion system is the clearest reported difference from the Lancet, a Russian loitering munition developed by ZALA Aero Group that uses an electric motor.

Burning gasoline could allow longer missions without reliance on battery capacity, since combustion engines can offer greater endurance depending on fuel use and design. Are you a pro? Subscribe to our newsletter Sign up to
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However, the drone's flight duration, operational range and payload capacity have not been disclosed, which prevents any comparison with existing Russian unmanned aircraft. Russia continues developing battlefield drone capabilities The Lancet is designed to strike artillery systems, armored vehicles, and radar installations, launches from a catapult, and comes in versions with varying warheads.

Russia has modified the Lancet family before, and the Ukrainian defense has identified an updated version with a redesigned antenna system. What to read next Russia says it will start selling its 'suicide drone' to foreign nations
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That change potentially affected the drones communications, though Ukrainian defense reporting says its forces kept intercepting the upgraded systems, a claim that has not been independently confirmed.

The new drone could give Russian forces another propulsion option for
missions where extended endurance is an advantage, though its deployment extent is unknown.

At a defense forum in Kyiv last month, Ukrainian military officials and industry representatives warned that battlefield technologies were evolving rapidly.

Participants urged faster innovation and wider use of AI tools , along with autonomous systems, and asked engineers to forecast Russian developments six months to one year ahead.

Ukraine has also expanded its domestic drone manufacturing, with locally produced systems accounting for 95% of unmanned aerial vehicles procured for its armed forces.

Similarly, Russia has expanded its drone manufacturing, with satellite
imagery showing that the Alabuga zone in Tatarstan grew by 340 hectares in a year.

Ukraines military intelligence said Russia produces about 3,000 Geran-4 and Geran-5 drones per month and that Moscow seeks more capacity at Alabuga.

Bloomberg reported plans for more than 7 million FPV drones, while
Beskrestnov estimates Russias yearly strike drone capacity at 36,000 to
40,000 units.

With both sides expanding their drone factories, the gasoline-powered
aircraft is an indication of what may follow as manufacturers keep testing
new engines and designs.

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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/pro/ukraine-spots-russia-deploying-a-mystery-new-pet rol-powered-drone-that-could-fly-further-than-ever-before


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