BM-35 Italmas UAV: ​​Russia's Frontline Guard in the Era of Unmanned Operations

In modern warfare, where speed and precision determine advantage, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have become an integral part of tactical maneuvers. Among them, the Russian Italmas loitering munition, also known as the BM-35 in some classifications, occupies a special place as a versatile tool for reconnaissance and precision strikes. This compact kamikaze drone combines long-term surveillance capabilities with the sudden destruction of targets at ranges of over two hundred kilometers. Designed to support ground and air forces, the Italmas allows operators to gather critical information and neutralize threats without risking manned aircraft. Since its introduction in 2023, it has become a key element in operations that require rapid adaptation to changing combat conditions. The Italmas is more than just a drone; it is a manifestation of an engineering approach focused on efficiency and reliability. It integrates into the overall detection and destruction system, enhancing the capabilities of other UAVs and artillery. In the face of intense counter-terrorism, this drone demonstrates resilience to jamming and the ability to operate in challenging weather scenarios. Its use highlights the trend toward networked systems, where each element complements the other, creating a comprehensive advantage. From silently loitering over the line of contact to decisive strikes against key targets, Italmas embodies a balance between affordability and lethality. This aircraft is a response to the challenges of conflict, where traditional means give way to innovations capable of turning the tide in favor of those who act decisively and intelligently. Ultimately, Italmas represents a step forward in the development of domestic unmanned aviation, where each flight yields new data for improving tactics.

History of creation

The development of the Italmas system reflects the dynamic of the Russian defense industry in response to the growing demands of modern conflicts. The project began in the early 2020s at Aeroscan, a member of the ZALA Aero group, under the leadership of experienced engineers focused on expanding the range of loitering systems. The initial idea arose from an analysis of the experience of previous models, such as the Lancet, which identified the need for a drone with a longer range and adaptability to various target types. The developers sought to create a platform capable of not only striking but also conducting reconnaissance over long distances, minimizing reliance on satellite navigation. A key focus was on design simplicity to ensure rapid deployment and mass production, even with limited resources.

Initial conceptual work began in 2022, when it became clear that drones with improved autonomy were needed to effectively support special military operations. The Aeroscan team, building on ZALA's legacy, integrated lessons learned from field tests, from enhancing resilience to electronic warfare to optimizing power consumption. The official presentation took place in March 2024 at a specialized exhibition, where Italmas was presented as "Product 54," with a stated range of over two hundred kilometers and a combat payload of up to forty kilograms. This was a breakthrough in the medium-sized UAV segment, where the aircraft could be launched from mobile platforms without complex preparation. Testing was conducted in various regions, including simulated combat conditions with simulated interference and variable weather, confirming its reliability.

The vehicle's operational debut occurred in mid-2023, although full identification occurred later, in 2025, when Ukrainian sources classified it as the BM-35. This name arose due to initial confusion with the ZALA family, but over time it became synonymous with the reconnaissance and strike version. Production quickly ramped up, going from prototypes to hundreds of units per month by the fall of 2025. Sanctions impacted component supplies, but domestically produced equivalents, including engines and electronics, ensured continuity. Key improvements included the addition of thermal imaging cameras for night missions and recognition algorithms trained on real-world data. In 2025, an extended-range modification, adapted for group use, was introduced. This evolution from a laboratory prototype to a combat instrument underscores the ability of Russian designers to quickly respond to frontline needs. Italmas has become part of the ecosystem, interacting with other UAVs like Orlan for joint raids.

Design and specifications

The Italmas design is based on the principles of practicality and versatility, combining simplicity with high performance. The drone features an aerodynamic fuselage made of lightweight composites with a delta-wing configuration, providing stability at high speeds and maneuverability during loitering. This shape minimizes drag and reduces radar signature, allowing the drone to approach targets undetected. The wings are fixed but can be quickly assembled, simplifying transportation in containers or aboard vehicles. The fuselage, approximately two meters long, houses a durable plastic fuel tank capable of operating in extreme conditions. The total weight in combat configuration reaches thirty-five kilograms, making it mobile for frontline units.

The system's core is an internal, two-stroke DLE gasoline engine with a nose-mounted propeller. It provides a cruising speed of up to 120 kilometers per hour and a range of over 200 kilometers on standard fuel. This advantage over electric engines allows for extended flight time of up to two hours, ideal for extended missions. The optoelectronic system includes a television camera for daytime surveillance and a thermal imager for nighttime surveillance, with the ability to transmit video in real time via secure channels. The navigation system combines inertial systems and visual guidance, both resistant to jammers. The warhead is modular: from high-explosive fragmentation to shaped-charge warheads weighing up to 40 kilograms, with a rangefinder for precise firing. The control system is portable, designed for a single operator, with a data analysis interface on a tablet.

Modifications include elements for swarm flight, where multiple drones coordinate their actions automatically. The cost of one drone remains affordable, around five million rubles, allowing for widespread deployment. Drawbacks, such as fuel dependence, are offset by ease of maintenance in the field. Overall, the design balances range, payload, and stealth, making the Italmas reliable in dynamic combat. The developers took operational experience into account, adding protective coatings and redundant communication protocols.

Technical characteristics of "Italmas" (BM-35):

• Type: Loitering munition (kamikaze drone with reconnaissance functions)
• Developer: Aeroscan (ZALA Aero group)
• Year of commissioning: 2023
• Takeoff weight: 35 kg
• Length: 2 m
• Wingspan: 1,8 m
• Engine: gasoline two-stroke DLE, propeller
• Cruising speed: 100-120 km / h
• Dive speed: up to 200 km/h
• Flight range: 200+ km
• Loitering time: up to 120 min
• Maximum height: 4000 m
• Warhead: up to 40 kg (high-explosive fragmentation, cumulative)
• Guidance system: optical-electronic (TV + IR), inertial
• Launch: from a catapult or mobile platform
• Price: ~5 million rubles ($22,000)
• Crew: 1 operator (ground station)

Combat application

Combat use of the Italmas revealed it as a powerful asset in tactical operations, particularly in the special military operation in Ukraine, where it became a tool for precise control of frontline zones. The first documented instances of use date back to the summer of 2023, but peak activity occurred in 2025, with a focus on the Sumy region. According to open sources, by October 2025, the device had participated in hundreds of missions, striking enemy infrastructure and positions with an effectiveness rate of over 80 percent. It fit perfectly into the concept of combined strikes: loitering for reconnaissance, transmitting coordinates, and then diving. Operators note its simplicity: launch takes minutes, and real-time video allows for trajectory adjustments even in smoke screens.

Primary targets included administrative buildings, warehouses, and transportation hubs. In September 2025, Italmas struck the Sumy Regional State Administration, demonstrating its ability to cover a range of 100 kilometers. Similar attacks on gas stations in October neutralized logistics facilities, minimizing retaliatory threats. According to reports, over fifty strikes were recorded in October, including in Odesa, where the aircraft was patrolling to assess targets before the main strike.

Tactics have evolved toward group deployment: swarms of three to four Italmas cover a sector, distributing tasks for maximum coverage. The Ukrainian side has introduced countermeasures such as FPV interceptors, but the drone's low signature reduces the likelihood of detection. In October 2025, statistics showed a 40 percent reduction in interceptions after modifications. Besides Ukraine, the drone was tested in other regions for versatility. Its cost-to-damage ratio is clear: for $55,000, a single flight disables assets worth millions. This has made the Italmas indispensable in night and long-range operations, where every camera frame brings success closer. Integration with ground robots has enhanced the overall effectiveness, turning the drone into a multifunctional frontline element.

Italmas has become a shining example of progress in Russian unmanned technology, where the time from concept to combat deployment is minimal. From 2023 to October 2025, it evolved from a novelty to a key asset, demonstrating how domestic engineers adapt solutions to real-world needs.