Russia Expands Molniya Drone Family With New Lightning 13 Variant

Russia’s state-owned defense conglomerate Rostec has unveiled a new variant of its Molniya-series unmanned aerial vehicle, marketed for export under the name Lightning 13, during the National Security. Belarus-2026 exhibition held in Minsk.

According to Rostec, the new drone was presented on June 17 as part of the company’s expanding lineup of low-cost unmanned systems already used by Russian forces in Ukraine.

The Lightning 13 features a redesigned aerodynamic fairing and is equipped with four electric motors. Rostec states that the aircraft can reach speeds of up to 120 km/h, has an operational range of up to 50 kilometers, and can carry payloads weighing up to 13 kilograms.

In promotional materials released by the company, the Lightning 13, along with the Lightning 2 and Lightning P variants, is described as suitable for reconnaissance, monitoring, emergency response assessment, and search-and-rescue missions.

Rostec also said drones from the Molniya family are currently operated by Russian unmanned systems units assigned to the Sever, Vostok, Zapad, Tsentr, and Dnepr military groupings, as well as airborne, engineering, and special-purpose formations.

The Molniya series is developed by Russian company Atlant Aero and is designed around inexpensive materials, including foam, plywood, plastic, and lightweight composite components. The drones are launched either from a catapult or elevated positions and are typically controlled in a FPV configuration using a forward-facing camera.

Read more

Category

Defense Tech

A Russian Drone That Takes Off Every Minute Along Ukraine’s Front. How Do You Stop Molniya?

Jun 09, 2026 15:03

Recent versions have incorporated additional capabilities, including machine-vision systems, thermal imaging equipment, and satellite communication terminals for reconnaissance missions.

Russian media and defense industry representatives have estimated the cost of a Molniya-2 drone at up to $1,600 per unit, making it significantly cheaper than many conventional strike UAVs.

The Molniya family first emerged publicly in 2024 and has since seen expanded operational use across multiple sectors of the front line. Ukrainian authorities have previously reported the use of Molniya drones in attacks on civilian and military targets in Kharkiv, Sumy, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Donetsk regions.

Protect Ukrainian Skies

Subscribe to Sky Defense