Russia to showcase combat drones used in Ukraine at victory day celebrations parade
Russia plans to parade combat drones used in Ukraine for the first time during Red Square’s Victory Day celebrations.
Russia is set to parade combat drones used in its ongoing war in Ukraine for the first time on Red Square this Friday, according to reports from state broadcaster Channel One.
The display will form part of events marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.
Among the drones expected to be showcased are the ZALA Lancet and the Geran-2, both of which have been key components of Russia’s aerial campaign in Ukraine.
The ZALA Lancet, a loitering munition developed for both reconnaissance and strike missions, has reportedly been used to destroy Ukrainian military assets, including tanks and at least one military jet. Its role in Russia’s drone warfare has grown increasingly prominent over the past year.
Also on display will be the Geran-2, a so-called suicide or kamikaze drone whose design is based on Iran’s Shahed drone technology. The Geran-2 has frequently been deployed against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, with Kyiv accusing Russia of using it to target civilian areas as well. Moscow denies such allegations, maintaining that it only aims at military or military-linked targets.
Friday’s parade comes at a time when drone warfare has taken centre stage in modern conflicts, and Russia’s inclusion of these unmanned systems signals both their battlefield importance and Moscow’s intent to normalise their use in public military displays.
