KUB UAV

The ZALA KUB, also known as KUB-BLA, is a high-precision Russian unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed by ZALA Aero Group, a subsidiary of Kalashnikov Concern.

It operates as a loitering munition, designed primarily for military purposes, and can function as a suicide drone or kamikaze drone to neutralize small targets on land or sea. The drone delivers precise strikes, using manually set target coordinates or image-based guidance, which makes it effective in high-stakes combat situations.

Design. Its compact design features a triangular-winged structure with a wingspan of 4 ft (1.21 m), length of 3 ft (0.95 m), and height of 5 in (0.165 m). Powered by an electric motor, the drone is silent and highly stealthy, making it difficult to detect or intercept. It can reach speeds of up to 80 mph (130 km/h) and has a maximum range of 24.8 mi (40 km), with a flight duration of 30 minutes.

The ZALA KUB is designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, as well as direct target engagement. The upgraded warhead, the OFBCh-2.5, can be pre-programmed to explode at specific altitudes.

The Zala KUB-UAV integrates artificial intelligence-based visual identification (AIVI) technology, enabling it to detect and classify targets in real-time. This advanced system enhances the drone's operational effectiveness, expanding the area it can cover in a single flight by up to 60 times while significantly boosting its accuracy and autonomy in mission execution.

Propulsion. The propeller of the UAV is positioned at the rear in a pusher configuration, powered by an electric motor that enables the drone to reach speeds between 50-81 mph (80 kph to 130 kph). The loitering munition can carry a maximum payload of up to 6.6 lb (3 kg), which can include sensors or explosive warheads.

Launch. The standard drone is launched via a catapult and hovers briefly after takeoff to locate its target. Once identified, the drone dives from high altitude in a precise, vertical descent to strike the target. It is capable of hitting armored vehicles, such as battle tanks, and detonating an explosive that can penetrate the turret.

Export versions include the KUB-E and naval variant, showcased in 2021.

First unveiled in 2019, the ZALA KUB was developed based on Russia's military experience in Syria between 2015 and 2018.

In service.

First launched in February 2019 at the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX), held in Abu Dhabi.

Eritrea reportedly received eight KUB-E drones in May 2022, according to Military Africa.

In late 2023, it was reported for the first time that upgraded KUB drones with more powerful warheads had been dispatched to Russian troops.

TASS News Agency (Russia) reported on Nov. 2, 2023, that Kalashnikov enhanced the combat capabilities of its KUB kamikaze drones, responding to military feedback by increasing their firepower. In 2023, successful tests were conducted on this improved version, which features a more powerful warhead. The reported upgrades to the Kub-BLA include an OFBCh-2.5 warhead with octogen (colloquially HMX), an explosive compound claimed to be 1.7 times more powerful than TNT. The company is also working to extend the drone's range and improve its navigation and communication systems.

TASS News Agency (Russia) reported on Dec. 25, 2023, that the Kalashnikov Company was shipping its first batch of upgraded KUB drones with increased firepower and range.

TASS News Agency (Russia) reported on Feb. 15, 2024, that the manufacturer of KUB and Tachyon drones, will significantly ramp up production in 2024. The company plans to increase production tenfold, supported by the opening of a new 5,800-square-meter production facility.

On April 2, 2024, the Kalashnikov Company released a video showcasing the engagement of the KUB kamikaze drone, successfully destroying targets at a distance of over 31 mi (50 km).

On August 21, 2024, TASS News Agency (Russia) reported that the Kalashnikov Group announced that it had delivered an increased number of KUB kamikaze drones to Russian troops, surpassing the quantities specified in the 2024 contracts. These deliveries were made ahead of schedule.

Military Africa reported on Oct. 8, 2024, that the Russian mercenary group Africa Corp (formerly Wagner) was observed using KUB-BLA drones in Mali. The drones were reportedly deployed for intelligence, reconnaissance and surveillance missions. Following a clash with Tuareg rebels in July 2023, two KUB drones were found abandoned by Wagner forces.

TASS News Agency (Russia) reported on Oct. 21, 2024, that Kalashnikov Group announced that it had signed its first export contract for KUB kamikaze drones with a foreign customer, through the state arms seller Rosoboronexport. The agreement involved delivering KUB-E-guided munitions.

In February 2025, Russia was set to display the KUB-2-E at IDEX 2025 in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

In March 2025, Defense Security Asia reported that Kalashnikov planned to increase production of KUB variants in 2025. There was not a definitive production rate stated.

Defense Express reported in January 2026 that Russia unveiled the KUB-2-2E strike drone at the UMEX 2026 defense exhibition. It was noted that earlier appearances of the variant occurred in January 2025, when it struck a Ukrainian anti-aircraft drone.

ZALA Aero Group (Kalashnikov Company)

 Eritrea
 Russia
   Army

 WEIGHTS
   Standard Model
      Payload               6.6 lb (3 kg)
   KUB-2-2E              
      Payload               10.14 lb (4.6 kg)

 DIMENSIONS
   Length                   3 ft (0.95 m)
   Wingspan                 4 ft (1.21 m)
   Height                   5 in (0.165 m)

 PERFORMANCE
   Standard Model
      Speed                 50-81 mph (80 km/h to 130 km/h)
      Range                 25 mi (40 km)
      Endurance             30 mins
   KUB-10E
      Speed                 62 mph (100 km/h)
      Altitude              328 to 8,202 ft (100 to 2,500 m)
   KUB-2-2E
      Speed                 93 mph (150 km/h)
      Range                 24.85 mi (40 km)
      Endurance             25 mins

Naval Variant

The upgraded naval version of the drone can be deployed from a specialized launcher mounted on high-speed vessels, such as Kalashnikov’s BK-016 landing craft, and other maritime platforms.

Export Variant

KUB-E (Export) was approved for export in January 2022. Russain demonstrated the drone's guided swarm capability at the ARMY 2021 International Military and Technical Forum in Moscow in August 2021.

Russia reportedly delivered KUB-E drones to Eritrea in May 2022, in exchange for allowing Russia to build a military base in Afabet.

KUB-10ME

This variant operates at a cruise speed of approximately 62 mph (100 km/h), with an operational altitude ranging from 328 to 8,202 ft (100 to 2,500 m).

The drone is reported to carry an approximately 24 lb (11 kg) warhead.

KUB-2-2E

An upgraded variant based on the KUB-2-E model. This variant is launched using a catapult system.

The system reportedly has an overall weight of approximately 31.96 lb (14.5 kg), including a 10.14 lb (4.6 kg) thermobaric warhead.

It's attack range can reach up to 24.85 mi (40 km), along with a maximum speed of around 93 mph (150 km/h).

The endurance rate reaches up to 25 minutes.

The KUB-E kamikaze drone has been tested successfully in strikes against targets in Idlib, Syria in December 2021.

Russia deployed KUB drones during its military incursion in Ukraine beginning in February 2022. The drones were seen in the Kursk Region.

Following a clash with Tuareg rebels in Mali in July 2023, two KUB drones were found abandoned by Russia's Wagner forces.

In November 2025, Defence Blog reported that Russia fielded the KUB-10E variant, which was intercepted by Ukrainian troops.

KUB-BLA

KUB-E (Export)

Cube (English Pronunciation)