Russia Copies Israeli Hero-90 Drone, Rebrands It as a New AI Weapon

The Russian defense manufacturer Kalashnikov has introduced a new loitering munition, named “Rus-PE,” which appears to closely resemble Israel’s Hero-90 drone developed by UVision.

According to Defense Express on February 3, the drone will be showcased at the World Defense Show 2026 in Saudi Arabia between February 8 and 12.

Photographs and preliminary specifications of the Rus-PE indicate that it is a compact, soldier-portable loitering munition, launched pneumatically from a transport-launch container.

The drone is reported to carry a warhead weighing either 1 or 2 kilograms and reach speeds of up to 200 km/h, with a cruising speed of 140 km/h and an estimated flight time of 30 minutes.

While the maximum operational range remains undisclosed, Defense Express estimates it to be approximately 70 kilometers based on available performance data.

The drone features a gyrostabilized optical tracking unit and can operate in both manual and autonomous targeting modes. Kalashnikov claims the system is equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms capable of independently detecting and identifying targets after operator designation.

The Rus-PE shares several design and functional elements with UVision’s Hero-90, including X-shaped foldable wings, optical stabilization, and AI-assisted targeting.

The Hero-90, which is already deployed by several Western-aligned nations, weighs approximately 18 kilograms, has a 3-kilogram warhead, and an operational range of up to 45 kilometers with a flight endurance of 40 minutes.

Like the Rus-PE, the Israeli system uses AI to autonomously track targets once selected by a human operator.

As noted by Defense Express, Kalashnikov is positioning the Rus-PE as a competing platform to the Hero-90, likely targeting international markets that have strained relations with Israel. This raises concerns that such systems may be exported to actors hostile to Israel, including non-state groups.

Earlier, Russia’s Kalashnikov Concern delivered Izh-Enduro electric motorcycles and Izh-ScootWay scooters—low-noise transport vehicles designed for frontline mobility and resupply—to an undisclosed military unit. The two-seat scooters, equipped with cargo trailers, can carry up to 300 kg and operate for up to 100 km on a single charge.

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