russia's Kalashnikov Concern has announced plans to publicly unveil a new loitering munition, designated Rus-PE, at the World Defense Show 2026 in Saudi Arabia, scheduled to take place from February 8 to 12. Ahead of the exhibition, the company has released the first photographs and selected performance details of the system.
According to the published specifications, Rus-PE system carries a warhead weighing either 1 or 2 kilograms, likely reflecting different payload options. The munition reportedly reaches a maximum speed of up to 200 km/h, with a cruising speed of around 140 km/h, and has an endurance of approximately 30 minutes.
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While the official engagement range has not been disclosed, the stated flight parameters suggest an effective range of up to roughly 70 kilometers, excluding limitations imposed by communications links. Rus-PE system is launched pneumatically from a transport-launch container that can be carried and operated by a single infantryman, emphasizing portability and tactical flexibility.
For guidance, the loitering munition is equipped with a gyrostabilized electro-optical sensor suite. Kalashnikov Concern claims the system can be controlled both manually and in an automatic mode, implying the ability to strike a target autonomously after it has been designated by the operator.
Russian developers also assert that Rus-PE system incorporates artificial intelligence algorithms that enable it to independently detect and identify targets. Such claims, however, have become standard in russian promotional materials and are difficult to verify without independent testing or operational use.
In terms of concept, layout, and declared capabilities, Rus-PE system closely mirrors the Israeli Hero-90 loitering munition produced by UVision. Like its russian counterpart, Hero-90 drone is launched from a container, features a gyrostabilized camera block, and uses folding X-shaped wings for flight.
Hero-90 system has a total weight of about 18 kilograms, an engagement range of up to 45 kilometers, a flight time of up to 40 minutes, and a 3-kilogram warhead. It is also equipped with AI-assisted target detection and can autonomously attack a target once authorization is given by the operator.
As a result, Rus-PE system appears to be a direct copy or close analogue of the Israeli system, positioned to compete with Hero-90 drone on the international arms market. Its export potential raises additional concerns, as it could be supplied to countries hostile to Israel and, potentially, to non-state actors, increasing the risk of its use against Israeli forces or civilians in future conflicts.
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