Leading Polish Arms Exporter Jakusz Unveils its Smart Kruk Loitering Munition at MSPO Amidst Ongoing Drone Race.

At the MSPO 2024 exhibition, the Polish company Jakusz showcased its latest innovation in loitering munitions: the KRUK Smart Loitering Munition. This system is designed to provide a cost-effective solution for high-precision strikes on the battlefield, with advanced capabilities set to transform the use of unmanned aerial vehicles in modern warfare. Developed with cutting-edge technology, the KRUK offers significant advantages to technologically advanced armies seeking to enhance their tactical operations and create asymmetry on the battlefield.
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The KRUK is designed for single-person operation, making it extremely mobile and practical for various military operations (Picture source: Jakusz)

The KRUK system operates at impressive speeds, reaching 120 km/h during cruising and 160 km/h when diving towards its target. It can function at altitudes of up to 5,000 meters (MSL) and 250 meters (AGL), with a flight endurance of approximately 10 minutes. Its range varies from 10 km with line-of-sight control to 20 km when loitering. The payload of the KRUK includes a 500g warhead, capable of carrying 180mm RHA armor-piercing munitions or anti-personnel explosives, making it highly adaptable to different combat scenarios. Weighing 1.5 kg in total, including the warhead, the system is lightweight enough for rapid deployment and versatile use on the battlefield. With the launch tube included, the total weight remains low at 3.5 kg, enhancing portability and ease of use.

Jakusz emphasizes the operational flexibility of the KRUK system. It is designed for single-person operation, making it extremely mobile and practical for various military operations. The reusable launch tube reduces logistical constraints, and it can be deployed in less than two minutes. Additionally, the KRUK features advanced technologies to track and engage targets, using intelligent decision-making algorithms during flight, as well as high-precision tracking systems to engage moving targets. Electro-optical cameras further support the high-precision engagement capabilities of this loitering munition, enabling operations with minimal collateral damage.

The KRUK system also integrates easily with various military platforms. Whether launched from land, sea, or air vehicles, it offers full scalability and seamless integration with existing cartridge systems. For military land vehicles, it connects to the Power Take-Off (PTO) system, allowing both manual and automatic loading of munitions onto its platform. The ground control station, integrated into the vehicle's mission computer, is designed to provide easy control of the KRUK system via a rugged touchscreen computer. This interface allows operators to set and modify flight programs even after launch, ensuring mission flexibility.

In addition to its versatile operational features, the KRUK system includes secure communication protocols to protect mission data. It can be remotely piloted or autonomously operated for engagements beyond the line of sight. The modular and scalable design ensures that the KRUK can evolve to meet the changing needs of military forces. The pneumatic launch tube allows the KRUK to loiter at low speeds for surveillance or engage targets at high speeds, depending on the mission requirements.

At the XXXII edition of the International Defense Industry Exhibition in Kielce, the consortium composed of FlyFocus, Metalexport-S (leader), the Air Force Institute of Technology, and Jakusz was awarded the DEFENDER prize for their STRIKER loitering munition system. In addition to this prestigious award, the consortium also received a special distinction from the Minister of Development and Technology for being the "Best Polish Armament Exporter."

During MSPO 2024, Jakusz also presented other innovative technologies. Among them was the AI Containerized Response Centre, a containerized response center using artificial intelligence techniques to support security and threat management systems. This solution represents a significant advancement in security and crisis management, thanks to the integration of intelligent models for rapid and effective responses.

Additionally, the company unveiled the TUMAK vehicle, a high-mobility rapid response EOD & CBRN vehicle equipped with a gas-tight explosion-proof container. This vehicle is designed for quick intervention in situations involving chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) risks or explosive ordnance disposal (EOD), offering enhanced protection for operators in the field.