RuAviation

At the IDEX 2025 International Defence Exhibition in Abu Dhabi, the Kalashnikov Group showcased a wide range of military hardware, including developments in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and loitering munitions. In an interview with TASS, Alan Lushnikov, the Group’s CEO, discussed the systems which are proving successful in the special military operation zone, noting their high manoeuvrability and electro-optical systems, enabling operators to guide munitions onto moving targets.

“Kalashnikov isn’t just offering individual products; we’re offering integrated solutions that encompass both reconnaissance and target engagement.” One such solution is the Skat-350M multi-role civil UAV system, designed for area surveillance and supporting search and rescue (SAR) operations.

“This platform identifies targets, determines their co-ordinates, and transmits them to the operator, who then inputs the designated co-ordinates and directs one of our guided loitering munitions to engage the target. For stationary targets, the Kub-E or Kub-10E can be employed. For moving or quasi-stationary targets, the operator launches the small or medium-class Kub-2E. The Skat-350M not only provides target designation but also delivers objective battle damage assessment (BDA). That’s an example of a very effective integrated solution,” Mr. Lushnikov stated.

In addition to the Skat-350M, the Group offers the Granat-4E UAV, which can also operate in tandem with the Kub family of loitering munitions. Unlike the electric-powered Skat, the Granat-4E is equipped with an internal combustion engine, allowing for significantly extended endurance. This UAV is ideally suited for prolonged recce missions requiring continuous area surveillance.

For the protection of static installations, Kalashnikov offers an integrated system featuring Goliath and Karakurt copters, as well as the Kvasimachta unmanned equipment lift system. The latter can ascend to a height of up to 140 metres, providing 24/7 perimeter surveillance at a range of up to 5 kilometres via a tethered power supply. Upon detecting an intruder, the system transmits data to the operator, who then dispatches a rapid reaction force with the copters to locate and neutralise the threat.

Also on display in Abu Dhabi is a fundamentally new product in Kalashnikov’s line of strike UAVs – the Kub-SM reconnaissance-strike system with guided loitering munitions. This system offers the customer an “all-inclusive” service: from reconnaissance to target engagement and objective BDA.

“Effectively, we’re talking about swarming loitering munitions. Therefore, this solution will be sought after by customers for use in large-scale operations, where we’re not talking about single targets but, for example, a column of armoured vehicles,” Mr. Lushnikov emphasised. He added that prototype manufacture and testing are scheduled to be completed by the end of 2025.

The Head of Kalashnikov stressed that offering an integrated solution is far more important than simply supplying disparate products. “The customer shouldn’t have to second-guess; they should receive a complete, effective, and truly integrated solution,” he concluded.