Russian Sparta drone unit reports low Lancet UAV success rate

Russian soldier Pavel Gubarev has reported a significant lack of effectiveness regarding the use of Lancet loitering munitions by the Sparta drone unit. Over a three-month period starting in mid-June 2026, the unit, commanded by Lieutenant Kirill Ozerov (codenamed ‘Nevsky’), launched approximately 100 Lancet UAVs but successfully hit only three targets: one self-propelled gun, one infantry bunker, and one fortification.

Each Lancet UAV is valued between 3 million and 5.5 million RUB (approximately $37,000 to $67,000 USD). The remaining drones were either neutralized by Ukrainian air defense systems or destroyed by the Russian military due to a lack of coordination between units.

Gubarev attributed the 3% success rate to command failures rather than technical issues, stating that the drones were wasted due to inadequate training. He further noted that the command team had been sending reports of successful results to superiors, creating a false perception of effectiveness. The Lancet series is produced by the Russian company Zala Aero.