Kalashnikov Group's CEO Alan Lushnikov announces the Kub-10ME, a new tactical guided loitering munition with over 100 km range, AI-enhanced homing, and 11 kg warhead, set to deploy in the special military operation zone soon.
Russia's Kalashnikov Group begins signing 2027 contracts with Russian and foreign buyers for combat arms, missiles, and hunting weapons, citing combat experience as a key development factor.
The Indian Air Force issues RFI for a .50 BMG sniper rifle for Garud Special Forces to enhance anti-material capabilities and extended range engagements, alongside seeking man-portable loitering munitions under 'Make in India'
India is increasingly integrating loitering munitions, or 'suicide drones,' into its military strategy. These systems combine ISR and strike capabilities, reducing the kill chain and enabling precision strikes or extended observation. They reflect a shift towards technology-driven, non-contact warfare and are being deployed to supplement traditional artillery and missile systems, particularly in contested border areas.
The Indian Army has ordered 450 NAGASTRA-1R loitering munitions from SDAL. This move reflects the global trend of drones evolving into strategic weapons capable of deep strikes, economic disruption, and power projection, as seen in Ukraine's recent assaults on Russian oil infrastructure and Iran's long-range deployments.
Indian firm SMPP has partnered with European defense giant KNDS to locally manufacture loitering munitions. This collaboration brings advanced systems like Colibri, Larinae, Veloce, and Rodeur to India, enhancing its defense capabilities.
Kalashnikov Concern suggests a unified competence center for UAVs and licensed drone production within CSTO member states. The initiative aims to standardize drone fleets, reduce costs, and create jobs, offering comprehensive reconnaissance and strike systems.
Hoverit successfully demonstrated its indigenous Divyastra Mk-1 tactical loitering munition in Jodhpur, India. The UAV boasts 95% local components, a 500 km range, 5-hour endurance, and a cost advantage over foreign imports.
Nibe Limited successfully demonstrated its Vayu Astra Loitering Munition, capable of carrying a 10kg warhead up to 100km. Unlike typical drones, it maintains a two-way operator link for target selection and can also be used for reconnaissance.
Operation Sindoor, a year after its execution, is remembered as India's firm response to terrorism, marked by precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan. This high-tech military action showcased India's advanced arsenal, including Rafale jets, SCALP missiles, and loitering munitions, demonstrating a shift towards modern, precision warfare.
The Kalashnikov Group is continuously modernizing its Rus-PE portable reconnaissance and strike system based on experience from the special military operation, adding new AI elements monthly. Director Leonid Rokeakh said the loitering munition features an intelligent automatic target guidance and tracking system that can operate autonomously, with operators only confirming target authenticity to avoid errors. The system had its international premiere in Riyadh in February 2026 and was demonstrated for the first time in the Asia-Pacific region at the DSA exhibition in Kuala Lumpur.
The “drone-killing” success of Iran’s 358 loitering munition, especially against expensive US-made platforms, is attracting attention well beyond the battlefield in the Middle East. In China, state media has taken a look at the Iranian-designed counter-drone loitering interceptor’s reported role in bringing down multiple uncrewed aerial vehicles, or drones, like the MQ-9 “Reaper” in the US-Israel war on Iran. The 358 missile, also known as the SA-67, weighs about 50kg (110lbs). Powered by a...
German defense giant Rheinmetall is reportedly falling behind competitors in developing a new kamikaze drone, facing technical issues and questions about preferential government treatment despite its FV-014 drone's poor test performance.
An advisor to the DPR head stated that Ukrainian forces are intensifying attacks during Great Lent and Easter, citing increased equipment and manpower usage annually. The Russian Defense Ministry reported thousands of ceasefire violations.
