For the first time, Russia will feature combat drones used in its ongoing war in Ukraine as part of its annual Victory Day parade on Red Square this Friday, state broadcaster Channel One has reported.
The display, marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, will include the ZALA Lancet and Geran-2 drones—two key weapons in Russia’s aerial offensive against Ukraine.
The ZALA Lancet, a loitering munition designed for both surveillance and precision strikes, has reportedly been used to destroy Ukrainian military equipment, including tanks and at least one fighter jet. Its role in Russia’s drone operations has expanded significantly in recent months.
Also expected is the Geran-2 drone, a so-called kamikaze drone based on Iran’s Shahed platform. It has been used extensively to attack Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Kyiv accuses Moscow of targeting civilian areas with the drone, an allegation Russia denies, insisting its strikes are limited to military or strategic targets.
The parade highlights the increasing prominence of drones in modern warfare and reflects Russia’s efforts to showcase and normalize the use of unmanned systems as part of its military arsenal.
Nzubechukwu Eze.
