The product line includes Lightning 2, Lightning P and Lightning R designed to fulfill various functions, from cargo delivery to search and rescue support

Illustration: Rostec State Corporation press service

Rostec State Corporation will showcase a line of Lightning advanced civilian multi-purpose drones at UMEX and SimTEX 2026, International Exhibition of Unmanned Systems, in the United Arab Emirates. The UAVs feature flexibility and can be used to fulfill various tasks, from express reconnaissance and cargo delivery to search and rescue support and border control.

The line offers three drone models: Lightning 2, Lightning P and Lightning R. The Lightning 2 is designed to deliver small cargo and drugs, evaluate emergency situations, and provide practical training of operators. The drone can carry cargo up to 6 kg with its range reaching almost 50 kilometers. 

The Lightning P is designed for monitoring, control and terrain reconnaissance. The system has the highest flight speed in the whole product line — 270 km/hour. 

The Lightning R is designed for multi-purpose monitoring in day and night time in a wide range of climatic conditions. It is outfitted with a 30X hybrid zoom video camera on a gyro gimbal to provide reliable surveillance during maneuvering. 

“Design features of Rostec’s new Lightning line of drones offers simplicity and large-scale production at low cost. Flexibility of the systems allows quick and effective modernization for particular applications and operating conditions. We expect high interest in these systems from potential customers. For example, in Middle East countries the Lightning drones can be effectively used for monitoring and protection of oil and gas facilities, border control and emergency response management,” said Rostec’s representatives. 

UMEX and SimTEX 2026 will be held in Abu Dhabi on 20-22 January. The event will bring together global leaders in the field of unmanned and autonomous technology development and application.