Ukraine Reports First Drone Interception of Russian KUB-2E Loitering Munition

Ukraine’s Posipaky drone unit shot down a Russian KUB-2E loitering munition in the Zaporizhzhia sector in what the National Association of Ukrainian Defense Industries (NAUDI) described as the first confirmed interception of the weapon by a frontline interceptor drone.The pilots used a General Chereshnia AIR interceptor, NAUDI said in a Facebook post.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official.The General Chereshnia FPV team also reported the interception, congratulating the Posipaky unit.“There is now one more page in our ‘Red Book’,” the team said, referring to its registry of rare or destroyed equipment.Both statements included a short video of the engagement⁠ recorded by the interceptor’s onboard camera. Kyiv Post could not independently verify the footage’s time or location.What is Russia’s KUB-2E?The KUB-2E is a Russian-made loitering munition developed by the Kalashnikov concern. Russian forces use it against Ukraine, while the manufacturer also markets the system for export.The weapon is designed to strike personnel, military equipment and drone operator positions. It typically works alongside a reconnaissance drone that identifies targets, with an operator using the munition’s onboard video feed to guide the attack.The KUB family includes several variants with different payloads and ranges. According to the Vash Visnyk news outlet, the basic model carries a warhead weighing about 3 kilograms (6.6 pounds) and has a reported range of 25–40 kilometers (16–25 miles). Other Topics of Interest Su-57 Fighter Reportedly Burned Down at Russia’s Akhtubinsk Airfield Russia has not confirmed the claim, which would mark the fourth Su-57 lost or damaged in 2026. Other KUB-2E versions reportedly carry thermobaric warheads and have a range of up to 40 kilometers (25 miles).Heavier models, including the KUB-10E and KUB-10ME, reportedly have ranges exceeding 100 kilometers (62 miles) and optical guidance systems. Their intended targets include lightly armored vehicles, artillery positions, command posts and personnel.The family’s electric propulsion reduces its acoustic signature. Newer variants are also reported to have improved resistance to electronic warfare.Interceptors also target Russian reconnaissance dronesUkrainian interceptor crews have also downed Russian reconnaissance aircraft, including the ZALA Z-20, a drone reportedly worth about $200,000.In early January 2026, a crew from the 55th Separate Artillery Brigade, Zaporizhzhia Sich, shot down a Z-20 using a General Chereshnia AIR interceptor.The electrically powered Z-20 monitors the battlefield, identifies targets and adjusts artillery fire. It is also believed to help locate targets for Russia’s Lancet loitering munitions.Its manufacturer, ZALA Aero, part of the Kalashnikov concern, claims the drone can remain airborne for more than six hours and transmit video over distances exceeding 100 kilometers (62 miles).The General Chereshnia AIR interceptor has been used by dozens of Ukrainian units. According to the Brave1 defense innovation cluster, it had been credited with more than 300 confirmed interceptions of Russian reconnaissance drones by December 2025, including Orlan-10, ZALA, Supercam and Merlin models. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization, reporting since 1995. Its international reach – 90% of readers are outside of Ukraine – make it truly Ukraine’s global voice.