Ukraine Destroys Russia’s Next-Gen Zala KUB 10E Drone in First Ever Intercept, Video

Ukrainian forces have intercepted a newly deployed Russian Zala KUB 10E strike drone on the Pokrovsk axis, according to the Sternenko Community, a charitable foundation that provides interceptor drones to front-line units, on November 7.

The organization released footage that it says captures the moment the Russian drone was taken down.

“In the Pokrovsk sector, soldiers of the 5th Separate Assault Brigade shot down the newest Zala KUB 10E strike UAV,” the foundation said in a statement. “This drone carries an 11-kilogram fragmentation–high explosive warhead. This is one of the first documented shootdowns of this dangerous drone.”

According to Defense Blog, the Zala KUB 10E is a new loitering-attack system developed by engineers at Kalashnikov Concern. Designed for tactical use, it targets military vehicles, armored personnel carriers, command centers, and air-defense assets, as well as electronic warfare and reconnaissance systems. The drone is catapult-launched and performs a one-way strike mission.

The KUB 10E cruises at roughly 100 km/h and operates between 100 and 2,500 meters in altitude. Its 11-kilogram warhead can destroy light armored vehicles, equipment, and fortified positions. The model only entered public testing in late 2024 and has only recently appeared in Russian combat units.

Read more

Category

War in Ukraine

The Ultimate Drone Guide: Everything You Need to Know About UAVs

Oct 24, 2025 16:27

The Sternenko Community did not disclose which countermeasure was used to neutralize the drone. However, Ukrainian front-line units increasingly rely on a mix of drone-on-drone interception, short-range air defense, visual spotters, and real-time cueing networks to combat Russian loitering munitions. The 5th Separate Assault Brigade operates in heavily contested areas where Russian forces frequently deploy glide bombs, guided drones, and one-way attack UAVs, Defense Blog wrote.

“Every downed strike drone is saved lives. Our task is to give soldiers the tools to stop them in time,” the Sternenko Community said, stressing that its mission is to rapidly deliver interceptor platforms and detection systems directly to combat units, bypassing lengthy procurement channels.

Defense Blog noted that the KUB 10E’s appearance on the battlefield highlights a broader trend: Russia is accelerating the deployment of new unmanned strike systems, while Ukraine is developing agile, layered defenses—often supported by civilian volunteers. This evolving technological contest is increasingly shaping the dynamics of the front line.

Previously, Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces have disclosed new details about the scale and objectives of the operation that destroyed a Russian Shahed drone hub at the occupied Donetsk airport.

Donate Towards Eye-Treatment Equipment For Ukrainians

Donate