At the World Defense Exhibition in Riyadh (WSD 2026), the Russian Kalashnikov arms concern presented a new RUS-PE barrage munition designed to hit long-range targets.
The lessons of the fighting in Ukraine influence the development of new weapons systems both in the West and in Russia. Among the weapons that are becoming increasingly popular are barrage ammunition, which has become the second major activity of Kalashnikov, known worldwide for the production of firearms. During the Great Patriotic War, the company produced about 12 million Mosin-Nagant rifles, which since 1947 have been replaced by the AK-47 assault rifle, which was produced not only in the Soviet Union, but also in many countries around the world.
RUS-PE barrage ammunition for WDS 2026
Ammunition can be seen at most exhibitions at Kalashnikov stands, and at WSD 2026 the Russian arms concern presented a new product, the RUS-PE barrage ammunition (BB).
I agree with open sources, there are two versions of BB available: UB-1 and UB-2. Their width and height in the container are the same and are 180 and 350 mm, respectively, the difference is only in length – 910 and 1150 mm. Another key difference is the mass of the warhead (warhead): 1 kg for the smaller munition and 2 kg for the larger one.
Both bombs have the same design: a long cylindrical fuselage, four straight half-wings that fold forward and unfold after the drone leaves the launch container. The same thing happens with the four tail planes. The two propeller blades, driven by an electric motor, are also folded.
Both versions have a flight duration of 30 minutes and a cruising speed of 140 km/h. According to the source, the typical flight range is 40 km. After opening the aerodynamic surfaces, the BB acquires an X-shaped shape, optimal for maneuvering in the attacking section of the flight path. Details about the launch system are not disclosed, but given the architecture of the system, it should be pneumatic.
A gimbal sensor system equipped with day and night optics is installed in the front of the fuselage. It allows you to detect targets and scout them using artificial intelligence algorithms. Although the presence of the global satellite guidance system (GNSS) and inertial navigation systems are not mentioned by the developer, according to experts, they are certainly used to bring the BB to the target area. Given its cruising speed and range, the munition has plenty of time to patrol over the area of interest.
The ground elements of the firing complex include a portable console that allows the operator to stay in touch and confirm the target, and at the final stage adjust the guidance, and an antenna that provides two-way communication between the firing crew and ammunition. RUS-PE can be used in fully automatic, semi-automatic and manual modes.
According to the information provided on the WDS, UB-1 and UB-2 ammunition can be equipped with various types of warheads, including high-explosive fragmentation and thermobaric. RUS-PE can be used at altitudes up to 2000 m with a maximum wind speed of 15 m/s (54 km/h).
According to representatives of Kalashnikov, the system is fully ready. The concern is currently looking for a customer to launch mass production.
Source: European Defense Review
