Bekhan Ozdoev, Industrial Director of the Armaments, Munitions and Special Chemicals Cluster at the Rostec State Corporation, in an interview with RIA Novosti ahead of the IDEX 2025 arms exhibition (held in Abu Dhabi from February 17th to 21st), announced new criteria for evaluating the competitiveness of military hardware in the global arms market.
According to Mr. Ozdoev, the traditional triad of “price – quality – effectiveness” has been augmented by a new criterion: technological adaptability. This has emerged through feedback loops providing data on the operational employment of weaponry in real-world combat scenarios. Defence industry specialists are working in the SVO theatre, analysing the experiences of service personnel and collaborating with military scientific establishments.
Krona-E
One example of adaptability is the “Krona-E” air defence system from the Kalashnikov Group. This comprises proven 9M340 and 9M333 surface-to-air missiles (SAMs), alongside target acquisition and fire control systems. The system can be deployed in a fixed installation or mounted on a wheeled chassis, making it a versatile solution for various operational environments. This flexibility allows for a rapid response to changes in enemy tactics and adaptation of the system to specific mission profiles.
Kub-2E and Kub-10E
Also on display is the Kub-2E loitering munition from Kalashnikov. This kamikaze drone combines ease of manufacture with high precision targeting. It is already in use in the SVO* theatre, where it is successfully neutralising enemy firing points, armoured vehicles, and air defence systems. The primary advantage of the Kub-2E is the capacity to launch multiple drones simultaneously for massed applications on the battlefield.
Another Kalashnikov innovation is the KUB-10E guided munitions system, designed to engage a wide range of targets, including soft-skinned vehicles, command posts, air defence systems, and rear echelon support facilities. It can be deployed at any time of day, in fair or adverse weather conditions, with winds gusting up to 15 m/s, and in ambient temperatures ranging from -30°C to +40°C. Guidance is provided by a global navigation satellite system (GNSS), using pre-programmed coordinates. Launch is via a catapult. The cruising speed is 100 km/h. The operating altitude range is 100 to 2,500 m.
SKAT 350M
In addition, the corporation has brought the SKAT 350M multi-role UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) system to Abu Dhabi. This is a civil aviation platform that is a modernised version of the Supercam S350 platform, developed by the Izhevsk company Unmanned Systems and also being showcased at the exhibition as part of the united Russian exhibit. The SKAT 350M is a fixed-wing UAV with a blended-wing body configuration.
It has a broad spectrum of applications, including aerial photography, video monitoring, powerline and environmental monitoring, as well as use in agriculture and forestry, the oil and gas industry, and construction. The SKAT 350M is adapted for operation in diverse climatic conditions, from arctic to subtropical. Its wide operating temperature range and high resistance to wind loads ensure reliability in all climatic zones.
The Supercam S350 platform modernisation has included improvements to aerodynamic characteristics through redesign of the wing and control surfaces. An automatic mode of operation has been introduced for the air data boom, along with a new battery pack controller that improves its performance. The SKAT 350M payload includes modern high-resolution video cameras, including thermal imagers, providing 24/7 surveillance capabilities. Data processing is carried out using an updated module with enhanced algorithms to improve target tracking and cueing.
The UAV has a maximum take-off weight of 15 kg and a wingspan of 3.2 m. Preparation of the system for launch takes no more than 15 minutes, and launch is accomplished using an elastic or pneumatic catapult. Endurance reaches 240 minutes, and the airspeed at altitudes from 300 to 2,000 metres varies from 72 to 120 km/h. The radio line range and the broadband secure video channel range are 70-100 km. Landing is by parachute in automatic or semi-automatic modes.
Goliath-R, Karakurt-R, and Quasi-Mast
Alongside the SKAT 350M, the corporation is presenting civil versions of its Goliath-R and Karakurt-R VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) UAVs at IDEX 2025, as well as the Quasi-Mast equipment lift system. These systems have been successfully trialled in the special military operation zone and are intended for aerial reconnaissance, thwarting terrorist threats, and conducting search and rescue operations. The Quasi-Mast provides 24/7 video surveillance in the optical and infrared bands, transmitting information in real time.
Kornet
The Rostec Industrial Director also drew attention to the Kornet anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) manufactured by High Precision Systems, highlighting improvements to this weapon.
“All variants of the Kornet continue to evolve. For example, in guidance methods. The missile’s accuracy today is superb – it easily flies into the embrasure of an enemy firing position. We are receiving positive feedback from the military. The Kornet has also received a remote control unit. Now its crew can engage targets from cover, dozens of metres away from the system. The control unit is based on domestically produced components and meets high standards of reliability and ergonomics,” Mr. Ozdoev stated.
The Kornet has become an example of technological adaptability, evolving into a versatile battlefield weapon. The missile is used not only to engage armoured vehicles but also to destroy fortifications, observation posts, and concentrations of enemy personnel. Furthermore, the Kh-UAV air-launched munition, used on strike drones, has been created based on the Kornet. The Bulat system, a lightened version of the missile, has also been developed based on the Kornet.
Thus, a successful design solution has been transformed into three different types of weaponry, each adapted to specific tasks, Mr. Ozdoev added.
The IDEX 2025 international arms exhibition will take place in Abu Dhabi from February 17th to 21st. The Russian exhibit also features products from the Ural Works of Civil Aviation: the UTS-800 trainer aircraft and the Forpost-RE strike and reconnaissance UAV. Russian Helicopters is showcasing the Ka-32A11M helicopter for firefighting in densely built-up high-rise areas, as well as the Ansat light helicopter in police and medevac (medical evacuation) configurations.
*SVO, special military operation – Specialnaya Voennaya Operatsiay
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