The Russian Kalashnikov Company recently released exclusive footage of the first test flight of the “KUB-10E,” the most recent version of the “KUB” series, which is a guided munition.
It is intended to target a variety of enemy targets, including unarmored military vehicles, armored personnel carriers, command posts, air and missile defense systems, electronic reconnaissance and warfare assets, logistical support facilities, combat and logistics units, field ammunition, and fuel depots, and drone system launch sites. It is also capable of engaging helicopters and aircraft that are located outside of shelters at airfields or facilities.
The KUB-10E’s aerodynamic design and size differ from those of the previous models in the series, resulting in an increased flight range and combat capability. This unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is designed to resemble an aircraft, featuring a pusher propeller and a twin-fin empennage that is spaced apart.
The system is capable of operating in ambient temperatures ranging from -30°C to +40°C near the ground, and it can be deployed at any time of day, in normal or challenging weather conditions, withstanding moderate wind surges of up to 15 m/s near the ground.
The combat power and flight range of this new guided munition is substantially greater than those of previous models in the series. The guided munition follows the predetermined coordinates that are calculated from data from a global navigation satellite system (GNSS). It is launched from a catapult and has a cruising flight speed of 100 km/h and an altitude range of 100–2,500 meters.
The device is transported to the launch point on a specialized wheeled trolley and launched using a catapult unit. This enables the system to be rapidly deployed in the field. The KUB-10E is capable of effectively maneuvering and striking moving targets as a result of its cruising speed of 100 km/h.
Notably, the KUB has demonstrated exceptional effectiveness on the Ukrainian battlefield, receiving favorable feedback from soldiers. There has been an almost tenfold increase in production at the Kalashnikov Concern in 2024.
Zala Aero, a subsidiary of Kalashnikov, has developed the KUB series loitering munition. In general, the KUB series includes a variety of guided munitions.
The loitering munition, KUB-BLA, was first created by Zala Aero and is intended for high-precision attacks against a variety of targets. It is capable of operating in swarm mode and possesses sophisticated targeting capabilities that are facilitated by real-time image recognition.
The KUB-E is the export variant of the KUB-BLA, which has been approved for international sales. It may have undisclosed differences that are specifically designed for export markets, but it shares similar capabilities with the KUB-BLA.
The KUB-E is capable of reaching velocities of up to 130 km/h, which is competitive in comparison to other loitering munitions, which typically operate at speeds ranging from 40 to 80 knots (approximately 74 to 148 km/h).
It is typical for many loitering munitions to remain airborne for up to 30 minutes, although some advanced systems may provide an extended endurance.
In order to effectively engage moderately armored vehicles and infrastructure, the KUB-E is equipped with a payload capacity of 3 kg. This system is comparable to others such as the Lancet-3, which has a similar payload but an extended endurance of up to 40 minutes. The KUB-E is capable of operating in both day and night conditions, as well as in adverse weather, by using real-time image recognition technology for target identification. This capability increases its tactical utility, particularly in environments with active air defenses. AI-assisted targeting is becoming a more prevalent feature in modern systems, as a result of the increasing number of loitering munitions that incorporate it.
The operational flexibility of the KUB-E in various combat scenarios is enhanced by its ability to be launched from a variety of platforms, such as pneumatic catapults and naval vessels.
The KUB-E is particularly effective against individual armored units and moderately armored vehicles. Its design enables a vertical descent attack, which targets the more vulnerable areas of tanks where armor is typically thinner, thereby increasing its lethality against such targets.
This munition is well-suited for missions that necessitate the destruction of adversary command posts, supply depots, and other critical installations, as it can effectively neutralize infrastructure facilities. Its capacity to loiter and strike with precision enables targeted attacks that reduce collateral damage.
The KUB-E is a versatile weapon that can engage infantry units in combat scenarios where hostile personnel are concentrated. It is capable of disrupting adversary formations by incorporating explosive warheads that are specifically designed for anti-personnel effectiveness in its payload.
The KUB-E’s operational flexibility is further enhanced by its ability to target maritime threats, despite its primary focus on land engagements. This capability enables it to be implemented in riverine or coastal environments where naval assets may be present.
The KUB-E is capable of operating efficiently in a variety of conditions, including both day and night and can withstand wind surges of up to 10 m/s. This adaptability increases its efficacy in a variety of combat scenarios and environments.
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