Russia deploys Italmas drone – how dangerous is it?

Defense Express writes about it. 

Russian forces are now using Italmas ("Izdeliye 54") strike drones, with the first photographic evidence recently emerging, as reported by media.

Images show the Italmas drone alongside a mock-up presented in 2023, confirming that its design remains largely unchanged. Other photos depict a different drone that Russian sources previously misidentified as Italmas.

First unveiled in September 2023, Italmas was developed by the makers of the Lancet drone and shares similarities with the Shahed drone in appearance and launch method. Testing reportedly began in winter 2023.

By October, Russian sources claimed Italmas had already been used in combat, though no solid evidence was provided at the time.

The drone has an estimated range of 200 km and carries a warhead weighing tens of kilograms. Russian reports also claim it includes "integrated artificial intelligence systems," though no independent verification exists.

• Despite the fact that the Gerbera drone is used as a decoy, Russia has begun to equip it with warheads weighing up to 5 kg.