World Defense Show 2026: Russia reveals details of new loitering munition
The RUS-PE loitering munition has a range of approximately 40km, depending on conditions. (Photo: author)
Kalashnikov’s RUS-PE cannister-launched man-portable loitering munition has been shown for the first time at World Defense Show 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as the company, like other Russian entities, takes advantage of a better political atmosphere in the region.
The RUS-PE was presented at the show alongside other new Russian equipment such as the BTR-22 infantry fighting vehicle and Sarma multiple-launch rocket system.
Described by a company official as in production and in service, the loitering munition represents a new effort for Kalashnikov with “work ongoing to develop different versions for operations from vehicles and ships”. The company would not disclose whether the
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Land Warfare
-
New teams form to compete for British Army Land Rover replacement
The UK’s Land Mobility Programme Light Mobility Vehicle requirement is designed to replace the British Army’s ageing fleet of Land Rovers with a vehicle with a Gross Vehicular Mass of less than 3,500kg. It could be for as many as 6,000 vehicles.
-
FIA 2026: MBDA launches low-cost interceptor for short-range air defence
At FIA 2026, MBDA launched its Counter Mass Interceptor (CMI) which the company says is a mass-producible, low-cost effector for fire-and-forget engagements at range and altitude.
-
“Timelines are measured in seconds”: tackling the UAS threat with dispersed defences
Small uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) have transformed the battlespace, posing a complex threat across all domains. Militaries now need counter-UAS (CUAS) capabilities that defeat the danger while meeting demands around readiness, manoeuvrability and adaptability, according to Mike Spina, Director, Global Sales and Business Development for Targeting and Sensor Systems (TSS) at L3Harris Technologies.