MOSCOW, May 26. /TASS/. Russia expects to sign contracts with several African and Middle Eastern countries for the supply of the Lancet-E loitering munition by the end of this year, the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSMTC) told TASS at the 1st International Security Forum.

"There has been growing interest from certain African and Middle Eastern countries in Russian UAV systems, including the Lancet-E. Active marketing efforts are underway. We expect to sign contracts this year," the organization stated.

The munition developer ZALA told TASS on February 8 that the Lancet-E strike and reconnaissance system received approval for exports, opening the door to sales to international partners as a turnkey tactical solution. The Lancet-E system includes the Z-16E reconnaissance drone and loitering munitions equipped with dual X-shaped tails — the Izdeliye 51E, Izdeliye 51E-IK, and Izdeliye 52E, Izdeliye 52E-IK.

The 1st International Security Forum is being held under the auspices of the Security Council of the Russian Federation from May 26-29 in the Moscow Region at the Live Arena and Patriot Park venues.