Russia Deploys New Attack Drone KUB-2 With Enhanced Capabilities. What We Know So Far

Russia’s Kalashnikov Concern has introduced its latest attack drone, the KUB-2, developed in collaboration with the Izhevsk Unmanned Systems Research and Production Association.

This new drone is expected to replace its predecessor, the KUB, which had limited success. According to Defense Express, the announcement came on January 21, 2025, with plans to showcase export models of the KUB-2 at the IDEX 2025 arms exhibition in the United Arab Emirates from February 17 to 21.

However, evidence suggests that the KUB-2 has already been deployed in combat. On January 7, the 117th Separate Heavy Mechanized Brigade of Ukraine’s Armed Forces intercepted one of these drones using an anti-aircraft FPV drone. The intercepted device was initially misidentified as a Lancet.

Key features of the KUB-2

The only officially disclosed characteristic of the KUB-2 is its warhead, weighing 10 kg, which comes in two variants. The first type targets personnel and unarmored vehicles, suggesting a fragmentation design. The second type, which appears to be a cluster munition, is intended for engaging lightly armored vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicle launch positions, and helicopter bases.

The drone is reportedly equipped for both day and night operations, implying the inclusion of thermal imaging capabilities. Despite these advancements, the range of the KUB-2 remains undisclosed. Its predecessor, the KUB, was often paired with the reconnaissance UAV Granat-4, which also functions as a signal relay. It is expected that the KUB-2 will follow a similar operational model.

Differences between the KUB and KUB-2

The KUB-2 represents a significant upgrade over its predecessor. Unlike the earlier KUB, which lacked a camera and was limited to attacking stationary targets with known coordinates, the new model is designed for a wider range of targets. It also features a substantially larger warhead—10 kg compared to the KUB’s 3 kg.

The KUB-2 is positioned as a competitor to the Lancet drone, another product within Kalashnikov Concern’s portfolio, produced by its subsidiary Zala.

Earlier, Ukraine’s air defense intercepted a Shahed drone from a newly identified ‘Ъ’ series. This marks the fourth known series of Iranian-designed drones used by Russia, following the ‘M,’ ‘Ы,’ and ‘К’ series, which featured various upgrades, including thermobaric warheads and advanced navigation systems.