Lancet vs Shahed-136
Lancet and Shahed-136 are often grouped as kamikaze drones, but tactical loitering engagement and longer-range one-way strike are different mission concepts. The common expendable outcome does not establish identical seekers, control links or target-selection methods.
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Specifications side by side
| Specification | Lancet | Shahed 136 |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | ZALA Aero/Kalashnikov | HESA (Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industrial Company) |
| Country of origin | Russia | Iran |
| Mission role | Loitering Munition | One-Way Attack / Loitering Munition / Strategic Infrastructure Strike |
| Year introduced | 2021 | 2021 |
| Length | 1.2 m | 3.5 m |
| Wingspan | 1.1 m | 2.5 m |
| Height | 0.3 m | 0.6 m |
| Maximum speed | About 80–110 km/h cruise; up to 300 km/h dive reported (variant-dependent) | 185 km/h |
| Published range | About 40 km early Lancet-3 figure; later variants differ | 2,500 km |
| Endurance | About 40 min early Lancet-3 figure; later variants differ | 10+ hours |
| Service ceiling | 5,000 m | 4,000 m |
| Payload | Configuration-dependent explosive payload; early Lancet-3 about 3 kg reported | 40-50 kg warhead |
| Weight | 12 kg | 200 kg |
| Armament | Integral one-way explosive payload; warhead type varies | 40-50 kg HE warhead (integral); some variants carry thermobaric or shaped-charge warheads |
Figures below come from the linked DroneStrike profiles and retain their configuration qualifiers. Maximum speed, range, endurance and payload are separate published figures, not a single achievable mission configuration. Range is not necessarily combat radius or datalink reach. Missing information is not zero, and a larger figure does not establish combat effectiveness.
The comparison that matters
Identify the Lancet version and the Shahed terminal configuration. Comparing a tactical control distance with a long-range pre-planned flight figure would mix measurements of different things. Neither selected combat videos nor an advertised maximum range establishes an overall effectiveness ranking.
Understanding Lancet
Lancet is a family of tactical loitering attack systems associated with reconnaissance-supported strikes. The launcher, targeting support and particular aircraft version matter more than treating every Lancet as one specification.
Separate smaller and larger versions, advertised autonomy and observed use; selected combat videos cannot establish an overall success rate.
Understanding Shahed-136
Shahed-136 is a propeller-driven one-way attack aircraft. It delivers an expendable strike effect rather than returning from a sensor-and-weapons sortie like an armed reconnaissance UAV.
Separate reported range, actual demonstrated routes and warhead variants; common usage of loitering terminology does not prove every version has the same terminal seeker.
How to read the specification table
The table compares the named Lancet and Shahed-136 catalog records, not an artificial combination of every advertised upgrade. Values are reproduced with their existing units and qualifications. Where figures describe different missions or payload types, treat them as context rather than calculating an unsupported performance advantage.
A published maximum is not necessarily achievable alongside every other maximum. Endurance may change with equipment, flight or sea conditions and transit requirements; a range figure may describe a different constraint from datalink reach. Unknown specifications remain unknown. For development programs and limited-disclosure systems, an intended capability must stay distinct from a completed trial or operational service.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between Lancet and Shahed-136?
Lancet and Shahed-136 are often grouped as kamikaze drones, but tactical loitering engagement and longer-range one-way strike are different mission concepts. The common expendable outcome does not establish identical seekers, control links or target-selection methods.
Can the headline specifications establish a winner?
No. The mission, actual configuration, supported force and quality of evidence determine what the figures mean. Maximum speed, endurance and payload alone do not establish combat effectiveness, survivability or equal intelligence collection.
Where can I verify the versions and figures used here?
Follow the Lancet and Shahed-136 profile links for full descriptions, timelines and any listed source references. This guide preserves the catalog's uncertainty labels rather than presenting unpublished or weakly sourced figures as independently verified facts.
Sources and further reading
- Lancet: full catalog profile, timeline and source notes
- Shahed-136: full catalog profile, timeline and source notes
Specifications are drawn from the linked catalog profiles. Source dates and aircraft configurations may differ; see the individual profiles for their timelines and qualifications.