Russia starts using new KUB-2 drone: Defense Express reveals its characteristics
Illustrative photo: Russia starts using new drones (Russian media)
Russian Kalashnikov concern has started supplying its new kamikaze drones KUB-2 to the enemy army. Notably, it features a larger warhead compared to the Lancet, according to Defense Express.
As the news agency notes, the concern announced the existence of the new drones only today, stating that it would bring samples with the export designation KUB-2-E to the IDEX 2025 arms exhibition, which will be held in the United Arab Emirates from February 17 to 21.
However, the 117th Separate Heavy Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces had already published a video on January 7 showing the interception of this Russian drone using an anti-aircraft FPV drone. The KUB-2 drone was mistakenly identified as a Lancet.
Photo: KUB-2 kamikaze drone (image: Kalashnikov concern)
The only announced specification of the KUB-2 is its 10 kg warhead, which comes in two variations.
The first is designed to target personnel and unarmored vehicles, clearly indicating a fragmentation type warhead.
The second variation is capable of striking both the intended targets and lightly armored vehicles, as well as "UAV launch positions" and "helicopter base areas." This unusual list of targets for the second warhead type suggests it might be cluster-based.
Additionally, the drone is claimed to be operational not only during the day but also at night, implying the possibility of being equipped with thermal imaging cameras.
The operational range of the KUB-2 remains undisclosed. However, Defense Express notes that older KUB kamikaze drones from Kalashnikov are supplied and used in conjunction with the reconnaissance UAV Granat-4, which also functions as a signal relay.
Photo: KUB kamikaze drone (Defense Express)
It is noted that the difference between the KUB and the new KUB-2 is significant. Specifically, the KUB was capable of striking only stationary targets with known coordinates, as it lacks a camera. Additionally, its warhead was limited in power, weighing only 3 kg.
Meanwhile, the KUB-2 essentially occupies the same segment as the Lancet, positioning itself as its competitor while boasting a larger warhead.
"At the same time, the Lancet itself is produced by Zala, which is part of the Kalashnikov structure, raising an intriguing question about the necessity of creating a competitor to its own product. However, this question remains unanswered for now," the news agency stated.
Recent images of a new series of Shahed kamikaze drones with the marking "Ъ" have surfaced online. This is at least the fourth known series of Iranian-Russian kamikaze drones of the Shahed type.
