On the occasion of the delivery of the latest batch of KUB loitering munitions to the Russian Ground Forces, the Kalashnikov group confirmed the increase in the production of this type of unmanned aerial vehicle. These efforts respond to the growing requirements for this class of drones, which have become an indispensable part of the capabilities that Russia has been employing against the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Alongside the ZALA Lancet, the KUB family of loitering munitions (popularly known as “kamikaze drones”) have become one of the most widely used unmanned aerial vehicles by the Russian Ground Forces. Their use in the Ukrainian conflict ranges from surveillance and reconnaissance tasks to attacks on infantry units, armored vehicles, and artillery.
Manufactured by ZALA Aero Group, a subsidiary of the Kalashnikov consortium, these drones have been used in increasing numbers since 2022. This has led the companies involved in their production to increase their series production tenfold, with the inauguration of new facilities and the hiring of additional personnel.
This was evident in the latest delivery to the Russian Ground Forces, for which Kalashnikov stated: “The production of the ‘KUB’ complex is carried out together with the ‘Izhevsk Unmanned Systems Scientific and Production Association’ (Kalashnikov Consortium). In 2024, this company increased its production facilities tenfold, which allowed for the mass production of products for various purposes.”
Although no specific quantities were provided, in their official announcement at the end of June, the Russian companies involved in its production stated that the loitering munitions delivered correspond to the new version called UBB “KUB”, which would be equipped with a more powerful warhead than that observed in previous versions, to be used against both infantry and armored vehicles.
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