As the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ counteroffensive continues in the Kursk Oblast, the Russian Ground Forces are repositioning equipment, units, and capabilities to halt the advance of Ukrainian troops. In addition to the various assets used in these efforts—such as tanks, armored vehicles, infantry units, and aviation—large numbers of loitering munitions from the Zala Kub family are also being deployed. This is documented in a recent video released by the Kalashnikov Group, which, through its subsidiary Zala Aero, manufactures these types of unmanned aerial vehicles, popularly known as “kamikaze drones.”
More than a week into the focused offensive in the Kursk Oblast by the Ukrainian Ground Forces, supported by artillery and aviation, the Russian Armed Forces were caught off guard. As the situation continues to develop, the Russian Ministry of Defense reports various redeployments of equipment and units to slow down and halt the advance at various tactical points. Among the capabilities deployed by the Ground Forces are various types of loitering munitions, used for reconnaissance and surveillance flights, target acquisition, and attacks on the Ukrainian advance’s rear, where fire support elements are concentrated.
In one of the most recent videos circulated by the Kalashnikov Group on their official Telegram channels, the Russian firm showcases the combat operations of their Kub family loitering munitions, manufactured by their subsidiary Zala Aero.
The video shows the detection of an M777 artillery piece from the Ukrainian forces firing at Russian positions, presumably in support of forward units. As the artillery piece continues its service, with movement of personnel observed, two Kub loitering munitions attack the artillery gun.
The first impact misses the target, while the second one also misses, but due to the resulting explosion’s blast wave, it initiates a series of detonations in what appears to be the stockpile of ammunition and propellant charges for the U.S.-origin M777 155mm artillery piece.
As of today, fighting continues in the Kursk Oblast, with various reports, both Western and Russian, indicating that the Ukrainian advance is encountering increasing resistance after the initial surprise wore off. Additionally, there are reports of advances in other directions toward neighboring oblasts to consolidate the territorial gains made by Ukrainian forces, which are estimated to cover 1,000 square kilometers.
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