Kub-10ME: Kalashnikov launches new loitering munition with 100 km range

Russia has made extensive use of loitering munitions since 2019. The Ukraine war has led to an increase in range, amongst other developments designed to increase the chances of success. The latest Kub-10ME from Kalashnikov introduces a 100 km strike range, and builds on those lessons. 

By Sam Cranny-Evans, editor of Calibre Defence, published on February 26, 2026. 

Russia’s Kalashnikov Concern has released details of its new loitering munition, the Kub-10ME, with a range of 100 km. The design appears to build on the earlier development of the Kub-10E, as well as the original Kub. 

According to interviews given by the company in Russian press, the new munition was “created in record time.” And draws on experience gained with other loitering munitions that have been used in Ukraine. 

• Kalashnikov to launch KUB-SM swarm at IDEX 2025 – Calibre Defence 
• Russia tests Soloist missile in Ukraine – Calibre Defence 

In addition to its extended range, which is a 20 – 30 km increase over the Lancet-3 family of loitering munitions from Zala Aero, the Kub-10ME is also more resilient to jamming. According to the February 25 press release, it uses electro-optical guidance instead of relying on GPS, which would reduce the impact of GNSS jamming. 

However, the press release does not give any indication that the munition is autonomous. This suggests that the command link between the munition and the operators would still be vulnerable to jamming. Compared to the Lancet-3, the Kub-10ME is likely to be lightly armed, and the stated targets suggest a blast fragmentation warhead. 

It is designed to target: 

• Lightly armoured vehicles 
• Air defence systems 
• Command posts 
• Electronic warfare systems
• Other UAV launch sites. 

A high explosive warhead with an effective fragmentation pattern would be better suited to these targets than an armour piercing alternative. 

Calibre comment: Kub-10ME and Russia’s evolving drone tactics

In the past year, Russian forces have started mirroring and improving upon the tactics used by Ukrainian drone crews. Specialist units like the Rubicon Centre focus almost exclusively on targeting Ukraine’s drone crews, air defences, and electronic warfare. This serves to push those assets back from the frontline, allowing other things like airpower or more drones to be brought further forward. The fibre optic FPV has been the mainstay of the Rubicon Centre’s operations, with things like Lancet taking a back seat. 

• Russia’s V2U autonomous drone is striking targets in Ukraine – Calibre Defence 
• Russian FPV drone tactics – Calibre Defence 

It does appear that the Russian defence industry is trying to secure some of the market currently filled by homemade FPVs. But the success of Russian drone tactics relies on scale and depth. The Rubicon Centre conducts multiple simultaneous operations in a given area, for example. And it does so at ranges up to 50 km behind the Ukrainian frontline. The Kub-10ME could contribute to this overall approach, but it will have to win the trust of Russian soldiers first. 

The lead image shows a concept rendering of the Kub-10ME. Credit: Rostec.