Russian Military Receives Upgraded Kamikaze Drone With Deadlier Warhead

Defense News ,Russia :- In a significant development, the Russian Armed Forces have recently received an upgraded version of the KUB-BLA loitering munition, equipped with a more potent warhead. This modification addresses the limitations of its predecessor, the Zala Aero drone, which featured a relatively small three-kilogram fragmentation warhead, restricting its effectiveness against certain targets.

The enhanced version of the loitering munition now boasts an OFBCh-2.5 warhead, incorporating an HMX-based explosive with a yield 1.7 times that of TNT. Kalashnikov president Alan Lushnikov highlighted the success of recent tests and revealed that the first batch is currently being shipped to the customer. This marks a significant advancement, as it essentially introduces a new product to the arsenal.

Known as the "Silent Assassin," this catapult-launched drone operates on a battery-run electric motor, enabling a flight speed of up to 130 kilometers (81 miles) per hour and an endurance of 30 minutes. Its design focuses on stealth, allowing it to approach targets silently by slipping under enemy radar with its low-noise electric motor.

Despite its impressive features, the drone lacks electro-optical sensors, preventing it from autonomously adjusting its flight path. Nonetheless, its strategic significance became evident during the ongoing Ukraine war, where Russian special and airborne forces extensively deployed it for tactical reconnaissance strikes.

A tactical reconnaissance strike involves pairing the drone with a loitering munition for real-time detection and striking of enemy targets. The delta-wing drone deployment in Ukraine prompted the Russian defense industrial complex to double production in response to heightened war demands. Ongoing efforts are aimed at further improving its range, lethality, and navigation capabilities, according to Lushnikov. This upgraded loitering munition represents a notable step forward for the Russian military in enhancing its capabilities on the battlefield.