Russia Unveils the Klin Loitering Munition
The Russian company RoboAvia has unveiled the Klin suicide drone, which has entered service with the Russian military in recent months and whose field performance videos have also been released.
According to information provided by the manufacturer, the Klin suicide drone has a range of 120 kilometers, a flight endurance of 80 minutes, a ceiling of 2,000 meters, a speed of up to 300 kilometers per hour, a length of 1.6 meters, a wingspan of 1.9 meters, a takeoff weight of up to 13.5 kilograms, and a warhead weighing 5 kilograms.
The Klin suicide drone/loitering munition can autonomously track targets without relying on satellite positioning systems like GPS, using artificial intelligence. In addition to conventional targets, it can also track other drones.
In a video released in June this year showing Klin’s field performance, the drone locks onto a Ukrainian unmanned surface vehicle (USV) in the Black Sea and uses airburst munitions to accurately strike the target.
During the unveiling, three types of munitions were showcased: shaped charge, airburst explosive, and high-explosive fragmentation. This variety of munitions enhances the drone’s effectiveness against different targets and in various field conditions.
At first glance, the Klin drone may seem simple like other drones in its class; however, the development of autonomous drones like Klin reflects the rapid and significant evolution in Russia’s drone doctrine. Russia is quickly adapting to new battlefield conditions and filling tactical gaps to enhance asymmetric attack capabilities against Ukraine or any potential future conflict in Europe.
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