Ukraine’s military intelligence service (HUR) has released detailed data on Russian loitering munitions, revealing the use of foreign-made components, including US technology, in drones now being upgraded with elements of artificial intelligence (AI).
The HUR published interactive 3D models and technical breakdowns of Russia’s “Lancet” and “Scalpel” drones on its War & Sanctions portal, alongside information on companies involved in their production.
According to the HUR, the Lancet drone, produced by Zala Aero Group and linked to Russian defense titan Kalashnikov Concern, remains one of Moscow’s most widely used strike unmanned aerial vehicles. Debris from a drone shot down over Kyiv on March 16 was identified as a Lancet, suggesting the system may have been modified to expand its operational use.
In a Telegram post, the HUR said that both the Lancet and the lesser-known Scalpel drone are operator-guided in real time, but Russia is attempting to integrate autonomous targeting capabilities into the Lancet, including through artificial intelligence modules based on Nvidia Jetson systems.
The HUR identified a total of 62 electronic components used in the two drones, most of them of foreign origin – primarily from the United States, as well as Switzerland and China.
Despite international sanctions, Russia continues to access critical technologies and incorporate them into advanced weapons systems, the HUR said, including components used for AI-based solutions.
Similar modules have previously been identified in Iranian-made Shahed-136 drones used by Russia, indicating ongoing cooperation between Moscow and Tehran in upgrading unmanned systems.
HUR warned that the technologies currently deployed against Ukraine could pose a broader threat beyond the region and said the publication of the data is intended to strengthen sanctions enforcement and limit Russia’s access to modern technology.
Russian sanctions evasion
In recent months, Ukrainian intelligence released technical profiles and supplier lists for missiles, cruise systems, and drones – steps Kyiv says are crucial for helping partners close loopholes and stop the flow of dual-use goods.
The War & Sanctions platform, created and maintained by HUR, documents Russian supply chains, tracks sanctioned entities, and lists foreign components found in Russian weapons.
It currently documents:
* More than 5,200 foreign-made components identified in 181 types of Russian weapons
* 12 interactive diagrams of Russian and Iranian weapon systems
* Over 280 companies involved in their production
“Weapons Russia is using against Ukraine today may be used tomorrow against other states,” the HUR warned, calling for “synchronized action, stronger sanctions, and sustained support for Ukraine to stop the aggressor.”