Russian arms manufacturer Kalashnikov Concern has announced the debut of its cutting-edge reconnaissance and strike unmanned complex featuring the KUB-SM kamikaze drones. The system is set to be unveiled at the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX-2025), taking place from February 17 to 21 in Abu Dhabi.
In a statement, the company outlined that the complex includes guided munitions housed in transport and launch containers (14 units per complex) and reconnaissance drones equipped with relay capabilities (2 units).
The reconnaissance UAV acts as a critical link, transmitting data between the ammunition and a ground control station, enabling precision targeting.
The KUB-SM kamikaze drone, promoted by its manufacturer for its exceptional maneuverability, is equipped with a multi-factor warhead capable of engaging a wide range of targets. These include unarmored and lightly armored vehicles, command posts, anti-aircraft missile units, air and missile defense installations, rear facilities, and drone launch sites.
The system’s deployment components are compactly housed within an armored vehicle, making it a mobile and resilient solution for battlefield operations.
In addition to the KUB-SM, Kalashnikov is introducing the KUB-2-E, an upgraded loitering munition designed for export markets.
According to Maxim Kondratyev, a member of the Russian Academy of Engineering, the KUB-2-E features a significantly improved design with four half-wings to strengthen its aerodynamics, flight range, and maneuverability.
“The KUB-2-E employs a more efficient aerodynamic structure and incorporates advanced navigation, communication, and telemetry systems designed to withstand electronic warfare,” Kondratyev explained. “Its optoelectronic systems are also state-of-the-art, ensuring superior target identification and engagement capabilities.”
He further noted that the “E” in the drone’s designation signifies its export focus, although a domestic version is likely in development for use by Russian forces.
Kalashnikov’s advancements in unmanned systems underscore Russia’s strategic focus on drones and loitering munitions to counter evolving military challenges.
With IDEX-2025 serving as a premier platform for global defense technology, the unveiling of the KUB-SM and KUB-2-E highlights Russia’s push to secure a leading position in the competitive arms export market.
Kub Family Of Drones
The Kub family of drones, developed by Kalashnikov—the maker of the iconic AK-47—comprises kamikaze drones engineered to deliver greater power and precision compared to homemade alternatives.
These drones are celebrated for their affordability and simplicity, and they are capable of launching from unprepared sites with ease. Kalashnikov officials have previously emphasized these traits, noting that the drones are mass-produced, user-friendly, and capable of autonomously diving at high speeds to destroy targets once directed by an operator.
Upgraded models, such as the Kub-BLA, have undergone major enhancements, earning descriptions like “a sledgehammer strapped to the belly” of the drone due to their reinforced warheads. The warhead turned the drone “into a more formidable nightmare for the enemy.”
All in all, these modifications transform drones into powerful battlefield tools capable of inflicting greater damage and striking fear into adversaries.
The drone can autonomously target using pre-programmed coordinates or an optical seeker loaded with target imagery. It primarily depends on satellite navigation systems like GPS or GLONASS, but it is also equipped with inertial navigation as a backup in the event of satellite jamming.
This secondary navigation system utilizes motion sensors and gyroscopes to determine position, velocity, and orientation without relying on external signals.
The drones are built to function reliably under challenging conditions, withstanding wind speeds of up to 15 m/s and operating within a temperature range of -30°C to +40°C. They cruise at a steady speed of 100 km/h, with operational altitudes ranging between 100 and 2,500 meters.
Kalashnikov’s drone was first unveiled in 2019, drawing on the Russian military’s operational experience in Syria from 2015 to 2018.
The Kub drones are launched via a catapult system and can either operate autonomously or be controlled remotely within a range of 40 kilometers. However, their compact size limits their flight duration to about 30 minutes, making them ideal for quick, tactical missions.
The OFBCh-2.5 warhead, used by the drone, is programmable to detonate at a specific altitude as determined by the operator, either before launch or mid-flight.
Powered by an electric motor, Kub drones are nearly silent, and their small size makes them exceptionally difficult to detect or intercept. With a maximum speed of 130 km/h, these drones can approach targets stealthily, ensuring precision and effectiveness in combat scenarios.
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