What is KUB-SM — Russia’s new drone swarm launcher — and what to expect from it

Contents

1. What is KUB-SM?
2. What does KUB-SM include?
3. How does KUB-SM work?
4. Is KUB-SM a unique development?
5. When will KUB-SM reach the front?

What is KUB-SM?

The Russian Kalashnikov Concern has announced work on the KUB-SM, a new system for deploying attack drones. According to the manufacturer, this system is designed for swarm drone operations and consists of two types of UAVs alongside a launch and control vehicle.

It is a mobile installation mounted on an armored vehicle, capable of simultaneously launching both kamikaze strike drones and UAVs serving as reconnaissance relays. Once deployed, the drones, according to the designers, can coordinate as part of a swarm.

What does KUB-SM include?

"As for the launch system, the armored Ural truck chassis is expected to house a control center, communication systems, and 16 transport-launch containers," Defense Express describes.

Army Recognition also notes that the platform is likely based on a 6x6 armored vehicle, either the Ural-4320 or Ural-6370. Of the 16 launch containers, 14 are designated for strike drones — presumably KUB-2E loitering munitions — while the remaining two are for reconnaissance drones. All UAVs, whether reconnaissance or strike, are launched using a gas-dynamic system.

Because of the container-based launch system, the drones have folding wings. Two out of the 16 UAVs serve as reconnaissance relays and are equipped with parachute landing systems.

The strike drones are designed to target personnel, unarmored vehicles, and lightly armored targets. Defense Express describes them as "relatively small but combat-capable units." If the KUB-2 model is indeed being used, as Army Recognition suggests, the drones have a payload capacity of around 10 kg.

However, the exact specifications — such as dimensions, operational range, and payload details — have yet to be officially disclosed.

How does KUB-SM work?

According to its developers, the KUB-SM is designed to operate in any conditions. The Russians claim these drones will be able to carry out combat missions in difficult terrain, under adverse weather conditions, and even in wind gusts of up to 15 m/s. The armored vehicle must move quickly between positions to avoid detection.

"The reconnaissance drones that are part of the system handle observation, terrain reconnaissance, and data transmission between the loitering munitions and the ground control station," writes Army Recognition. Previously, the Russians used the Granat-4 unmanned system to guide the KUB UAV.

As for the strike drones, if the KUB-SM uses drones from the KUB line, then its latest model is the KUB-2. It carries a 10-kilogram warhead, which comes in two types. The first type explodes into fragments and is designed to target personnel and unarmored equipment. The second, a cluster warhead, is meant for the same targets but can also hit lightly armored vehicles, UAV launch sites, and helipads, Defense Express explains.

Among the likely targets of the KUB-2E drones are lightly armored vehicles, command posts, air defense missile systems, and vehicles equipped with electronic warfare systems. The Russians claim the main feature of the improved KUB is its optical-electronic systems, which allow operators to adjust strikes even if the target moves. This technology supposedly makes the drone especially effective against maneuvering targets.

The head of Kalashnikov, Alan Lushnikov, believes the KUB-SM will be most useful in large-scale operations, where the goal is not just to hit single targets but entire armored vehicle columns.

Is KUB-SM a unique development?

Developing drone swarms is nothing new — engineers worldwide are working on similar technology. Defense Express observers suspect that the Americans’ Altius UAV influenced the KUB-SM project.

Ideally, drone swarm technology relies on AI-driven information exchange and task distribution without an operator. However, the editor-in-chief of Defense Express believes true artificial intelligence in drones is still a long way off.

"We’re talking about advanced AI that goes beyond just 'machine vision,' where visual image analysis helps identify, track, and confirm targets like military equipment. In addition, this involves information exchange, where each drone knows its position relative to the target," Katkov explains.

He added that while the U.S. is experimenting in this field, true swarm-capable UAVs will still take time to develop.

Army Recognition cites the American LOCUST program, which can deploy up to 31 drones in 40 seconds, as well as the Air-Launched Effects initiative for air-launched drone swarms. South Korea has developed two successful swarm drone projects. Meanwhile, Russia has already built a prototype multiple-launch system for the Lancet UAV, capable of launching up to 64 drones.

In Ukraine, drone swarm technology is also advancing. In the fall of 2024, Ukrainian manufacturers tested swarm operations using drones from seven different companies at a military training ground. This was reported by Ukraine’s Minister of Strategic Industries, Herman Smetanin.

When will KUB-SM reach the front?

The Russians loudly announced this new development in January 2025, claiming they would showcase the KUB-SM along with other projects at the IDEX-2025 exhibition in the UAE a month later. Russian media even listed a new launcher for deploying drone swarms among the exhibits. However, despite the usual self-praise, Kalashnikov’s official IDEX-2025 report makes no mention of it at all. Most likely, the KUB-SM hasn’t reached the stage of a fully functional model that can be demonstrated in action.

During the exhibition in the UAE, Rossiyskaya Gazeta tried to provide at least some details about the widely hyped KUB-SM. The outlet claimed that "testing of a fundamentally new product, a reconnaissance and strike complex with KUB-SM guided ammunition, is expected to be completed by the end of 2025."

However, it’s important to remember that Russians primarily "test" their latest weapons on the front lines in Ukraine. This was the case with the KUB-2 UAV, which the Russian military used in combat before even acknowledging its existence. For example, Ukraine’s 117th Separate Heavy Mechanized Brigade, stationed in Sumy, published a video on January 7, 2025, showing the interception of a KUB-2 UAV using an anti-aircraft FPV drone. At that point, Russia had not officially reported anything about the KUB-2.

Because of this, military observers suggest that the KUB-SM may already be deployed. Ukrainian fighters are advised to pay attention to any Ural-type vehicles with an unknown purpose — and to make them a priority target for destruction.