WDS 2026 – Kalashnikov adds RUS-PE to its loitering munitions catalogue
At the World Defense Show in Riyadh Kalashnikov showcased its new RUS-PE loitering munition, aimed at providing the infantryman with a long range effector
Lessons learned from Ukraine are directing the development of new weapon systems both in the West and in Russia. Among the types of effectors which are becoming increasingly popular are loitering munitions, which have become a second major production field for Kalashnikov, known worldwide for the production of firearms, created in 1807, and which produced around 12 million of Mosin Nagant rifles during World War II, which since 1947 was replaced by the AK 47 produced not only in the Soviet Union but in several countries.
Loitering munitions in the Kalashnikov booth have become common in most exhibitions, and in Riyadh the Russian company unveiled a new product, the RUS-PE.
Two munitions are available, UB-1 and UB-2; in the container the munitions width and height are the same, respectively 180 and 350 mm, the difference being in the length, respectively 910 and 1,150 mm, another key difference being the mass of the warhead, 1 kg for the smaller munition and 2 kg for the bigger one.
Both munitions have the same layout, with a long cylindrical fuselage, four straight semi-wings than are folded forward and unfold after the UB leaves the launch canister, the same happening to the four tail planes, the two blades of the propeller, activated by an electric motor, being also foldable; both versions have a 30 minutes flight endurance and a 140 km/h cruise speed, EDR On-Line understanding that the typical range is 40 km. Once aerodynamical surfaces are deployed the munition adopts an X-shape, which is optimal for manoeuvrability in the last attack phase. No details were provided on the launch system, but considering the system architecture this should be of the pneumatic type.
At the front of the fuselage a gimballed sensor suite is installed, fitted with day and night optics; this is capable to detect targets and reconnoitre them thanks to artificial intelligence algorithms; GNSS and inertial navigation systems were not mentioned, but are certainly used to guide the munition towards the target area. Considering cruise speed and range the munition has some spare time to loiter over the zone of interest; the ground elements are the man-portable console, which allows the operator to remain in the loop and confirm the target, eventually refining the aim in the final stage of the engagement, and the antenna that ensures two-way communications between the launch team and the munition. The RUS-PE can be used in full automatic, semi-automatic and manual modes.
According to information gathered at WDS the UB-1 and UB-2 munitions can be fitted with different types of warheads, such as high explosive fragmentation of thermobaric. The RUS-PE can be used at launch altitudes up to 2,000 metres, with a maximum wind speed of 15 m/s (54 km/h).
Kalashnikov representatives told us that the system is now fully developed, the company now looking for the launch customer.
Photos by P. Valpolini
