Russian Kalashnikov Group revealed the KUB-SM system, which is based on a 6x6 truck with swarm-capable loitering munitions and an onboard ground control unit.
Each KUB-SM system carries 16 tube-launched loitering munitions that operate in a swarm manner. According to the document Kalashnikov published, two loitering munitions are reserved for scouting (likely with better electro-optics and no warhead) and communications relays. Communications relay for offensive UAVs has emerged as a new field of development due to the increasing use of jammers and data transmission losses at longer ranges.
Russia has been investing resources in the development of new loitering munitions following the active use of the catapult-launched Lancet series against Ukraine. Russia is eyeing new capabilities like tube launch and swarm teaming. According to Ukrainian and Russian sources, one of these developments, Izdeliye 53, was used in the war.
Vehicles carrying multiple loitering munitions are an emerging alternative to MLRS and ATGMs in field-level fire support. Such systems offer the range and fire volume of MLRS and the precision of ATGMs simultaneously, but loitering munitions take considerably longer to arrive at the target.
