Lightning (impact drones)

2026: UAV "Lightning-2" came to the disposal of the Russian army

At the end of January 2026, it became known that the Russian army had received a new modification of the Molniya-2 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). It can serve as an air base for transporting and launching a smaller kamikaze drone.

"Lightning-2" is an aircraft-type drone. As previously reported, RBC the device has a wingspan of about 1.5 meters and a mass of 10 kg. The flight range reaches 60 km, while the speed is up to 80 km/h. The device can be in the air for up to 40 minutes, carrying up to 6 kg of payload on board. It has improved protection against electronic warfare (electronic warfare). UAVs can be equipped with different types of ammunition for a specific combat mission. Drone capable of striking rear targets at tactical depth: these can be command posts, artillery installations, armored vehicles, etc.

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Фото: pionergrupa/Telegram

The Molniya-2 strike-reconnaissance drone has an increased flight range and carrying capacity compared to quadcopters, and even newcomers quickly master simple control, the Russian Defense Ministry said.

The new modification of the device is equipped with a special platform in the upper part of the fuselage, designed to mount an FPV quadcopter. This allows compact drones to be transported by air over long distances to hit enemy targets. At the same time, "Lightning-2" performs the functions of a repeater for a quadcopter, which significantly expands the range.

In addition, the Lightning-2 device exists in a modification with control via a fiber optic cable. Thanks to this, the device is able to transmit a clear image and remain invulnerable to electronic warfare systems. In this version, the range reaches 40 km.^[1]

2024: Use in the RWT zone

On August 24, 2024, the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation announced that the Russian military had begun to use new Drone|unmanned aerial vehicles called Lightning-1. These strike drones can be used to defeat enemy armored and automotive equipment at a distance of up to 30 km.

"Lightning-1" refers to an aircraft type with a bearing screw in the bow. Drone equipped with an improved accumulator battery, which allows striking from a long distance. The startup is carried out using a special installation. Used software with algorithms based on artificial intelligence which the drone is able to successfully function in conditions of radio interference.

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Фото: Website of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation

It is noted that to work with an aircraft-type drone, skills in aircraft control and special knowledge in aerodynamics are required. During each new launch, the servicemen change their basing point, which allows them to remain unnoticed by the enemy. Lightning-1 can be used to strike stationary objects, such as temporary deployment points and electronic warfare stations, as well as moving targets, including tanks and self-propelled artillery installations.

Lightning 1 is closest to FPV drones, but the controls are completely different. Nevertheless, this is already an aircraft-type UAV, there are different flight principles, different control, "says the drone operator with the call sign Osh.

It is emphasized that it takes about 10 minutes to assemble a new drone and prepare for work. Most often, the UAV is equipped with cumulative KZ-6 charges and ammunition from the RPG-7 grenade launcher. The operator can control the drone at a distance of up to 20 km. The flight time is about 35 minutes, the combat load is up to 5 kg.^[2]

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