According to the TASS news agency, Russia has completed the development of an advanced remarkable kamikaze drone, the Lutik-Kamikadze, a product of the Sakhalin Center for Unmanned Technologies.
The Lutik-Kamikadze: An Advance in Drones
This kamikaze drone, named Lutik-Kamikadze, represents an evolutionary leap in its class due to its ability to rearm from a distance. Contrary to traditional models that carry out a single operation, this unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) can be used several times, according to an unidentified source quoted by TASS.
It has not yet been confirmed if Lutik-Kamikadze self-detonates or if the activation of the charge it carries is done remotely. However, TASS reports that it can deploy RPG-7 explosive warheads and thermobaric ammunition.
Additional technical details about the drone, including the system that allows charging to be activated from the battery, remain confidential.
Development Inspiration: Military Special Operations
The development of the Lutik-Kamikadze seems to be inspired by the experiences gained in what Russia calls “special military operations,” especially in the Ukrainian theater of war. Accounts from forces on the ground suggest that a kamikaze drone often crashes into an enemy structure without self-detonating or is even captured by defensive systems.
The Sakhalin Center for Unmanned Technologies suggests that this type of technology would be more efficient in terms of conserving resources. The potential reuse of a remarkable drone, such as the Lutik-Kamikadze, could be more effective than the sole use of a traditional kamikaze drone.
Problems in the Production of Drones and the Need for a Solution
According to TASS, there is a notable shortage of FPV (First Person View) drones in the Russian military ranks, which could be one of the reasons behind the Lutik-Kamikadze project. Despite their proven effectiveness in conflicts such as the Ukrainian one, FPV drones are not included in the military budget of the Russian Federation. Currently, the military relies on voluntary contributions for its acquisition.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that Russian-produced drones do not meet the tactical and technical specifications of the Ministry of Defense. This was admitted by Colonel Igor Ischuk, a senior official in the Russian Defense Ministry, who stressed the need to simplify the design of Russian UAVs.
The Lutik-Kamikadze: A Light and Versatile Drone
The Lutik-Kamikadze, being a kamikaze drone, is relatively light and can carry different payloads depending on the distance to the target. For example, it can carry 800 grams of payload for a distance of 5 km, while the payload increases to 2 kilograms for a target located 3 km away.
Delivery of the First Units to the Forces in Ukraine
According to TASS, the first units of the Lutik-Kamikadze have already been supplied to Russian forces in Ukraine. The news agency reported that a total of 10 drones had been sent after passing the corresponding state tests.
Questions about the Lutik-Kamikaze drone
The Lutik-Kamikadze is a new kamikaze drone developed by the Sakhalin Center for Unmanned Technologies in Russia, with the particularity of being remarkable and potentially reusable.
The Lutik-Kamikadze’s rearming system allows it to be reused after deploying its payload. However, the specific details of this mechanism have not yet been fully disclosed.
The Lutik-Kamikadze has been developed to improve the efficiency of military operations, especially in environments where self-detonation of traditional kamikaze drones can be problematic.
The Lutik-Kamikadze can carry different payloads depending on the distance to the target. It can carry up to 800 grams for a target at 5 km and up to 2 kilograms for one at 3 km.
FPV drones are not included in the Russian military budget, with the military relying on voluntary donations for their acquisition.
