Russia has demonstrated a tactical kamikaze drone with a range of over 100 km
The Russian defense conglomerate Kalashnikov held the first official public presentation of its new tactical-class guided munition (loitering munition), the KUB-10ME. The key feature of the demonstrated kamikaze drone is its flight range, as stated by the developers, which for the first time in the “KUB” line has exceeded 100 kilometers.
The aggressor country’s company announced this on its official Telegram channel.
According to representatives of the concern, the new aircraft-type drone was designed and manufactured in record time. During development, the designers sought to incorporate current experience and the specifics of the Russian-Ukrainian war, particularly regarding countering modern electronic warfare and air defense systems. Unlike the first basic versions of the "KUB" family, which were guided exclusively by pre-programmed satellite or inertial coordinates, the "KUB-10ME" modification features a full-fledged forward-looking optoelectronic guidance system. This technical solution allows the operator to track, verify, and engage not only stationary but also moving targets in real time.
The new loitering munition is integrated with an aerial photography and video recording system, ensuring continuous transmission and recording of information right up to the moment of impact with the target. According to the developers’ presentation data, the “KUB-10ME” is positioned as a means for precision destruction of:
Lightly armored vehicles (including armored personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles);
Command-and-observation and mobile command posts;
Fire positions of surface-to-air missile systems (SAMs);
Aircraft (airplanes and helicopters) located at airfields outside of protected hangars;
Personnel, including mortar crews and UAV operators.
According to the published tactical and technical specifications, the UAV is capable of performing flight missions at altitudes ranging from 80 to 1,800 meters. The UAV’s cruising speed is 120 km/h. The design and onboard equipment of the aircraft are designed for operation at any time of day (day and night) and under challenging meteorological conditions, including wind gusts up to 10 m/s and temperature fluctuations ranging from -30 °C to +40 °C.
Ukraine, together with its German partners, is expanding drone production in Germany. This involves not only increasing the number of drones for the front lines but also creating backup sites in case of attacks, disruptions, or other force majeure events.
The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, together with NATO member states, announced the launch of the first competition for the development of next-generation defense technologies. The initiative is being implemented as part of the UNITE – Brave NATO program.
