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Russia Increases Production of KUB-Guided Munitions Amid Growing Demand in Ukraine.
The Scientific and Production Association Izhevsk Unmanned Systems (OOO NPO IzhBS), part of the Kalashnikov Group, has announced an increase in production of its KUB-guided munitions, a drone system designed for precise strikes on armored targets. To support this expansion, IzhBS has launched a recruitment campaign seeking specialists in various technical fields to bolster its production capacity.
The KUB is a Russian loitering munition. (Picture source: Kalashnikov)
To address rising demand, the company has opened positions for electronic equipment assemblers, turners, millers, designers, programmers, engineers, and technologists. This recruitment initiative forms part of Kalashnikov's broader strategy to reinforce production lines, ensuring a continuous supply of KUB munitions to meet frontline operational needs.
The rise of loitering munitions like the KUB in the Russo-Ukrainian conflict marks a turning point in the use of precision warfare technology on the front lines. Often referred to as "kamikaze drones," these munitions enable targeted strikes on enemy infrastructure and armored vehicles while minimizing risks for remotely operated troops. As hostilities intensify, particularly in contested regions of eastern Ukraine, Russia has increased production of these systems to meet the strategic need for both tactical and deep strikes against enemy assets.
The KUB, developed by Zala Aero, merges short-term surveillance with the precision of directed strikes, providing Russian forces with a rapid-response tool to degrade enemy lines and disrupt Ukrainian defensive capabilities. Such munitions play a crucial role in modern warfare, where mobility and rapid-strike capability are vital in a constantly shifting battlefield. Ukraine has also embraced loitering drones, underscoring the widespread adoption of these systems in contemporary conflicts, which is reshaping military operations through intensified, autonomous precision strikes.
KUB munitions are optimized for the destruction of both individual and grouped armored vehicles at tactical depths within enemy lines. Their effectiveness has been demonstrated in conflict zones, especially within the framework of the Special Military Operation (SMO) and in strategic regions such as the Kursk border area, attesting to their reliability and performance. The KUB is designed to offer versatility, capable of both day and night operations, even in challenging weather conditions, withstanding wind speeds up to 10 m/s.
Also known as the KUB-BLA or KUB-E in its exportable version, the KUB is a loitering munition developed by Zala Aero, a Kalashnikov subsidiary. This "suicide" or kamikaze drone can stay airborne for up to 30 minutes and reach a maximum speed of 130 km/h. Its ability to maintain flight for an extended period and target distant objectives makes it valuable for deep tactical strikes.
This 1.2-meter wingspan munition, with a payload capacity of approximately 3 kg, is optimized for destroying light vehicles, infrastructure, and infantry units, enabling fast, precise attacks. The KUB's ability to be deployed in various conditions adds to its operational flexibility, allowing it to function in challenging weather with gusts of up to 10 m/s. A noteworthy feature of the KUB is its real-time command transmission system, allowing operators to guide the device according to evolving battlefield conditions.
Initially deployed within Russian forces, the KUB has seen combat use, notably in Ukraine, where it has proven effective in targeted destruction missions. The export version, KUB-E, has been approved for international marketing, with a notable presentation at IDEX-2019 in Abu Dhabi.
Additionally, the KUB system provides real-time command transmission, giving operators immediate control during missions, enhancing tactical responsiveness and allowing precise adjustments, thereby maximizing operational success across varied combat scenarios.