Zala KYB drone has been built following the experiences obtained during the operations of the Russian Forces during the operations in Syria between 2015 and 2018. Its design is based on three basic concepts: stealth, ease of use and high precision. This UAS is designed to attack land and sea targets at a maximum distance of 40 km. Due to its small 3 kg warhead it is not indicated to attack large armored vehicles such as battle tanks, but it can destroy infrastructures and softskinned vehicles. Of course, the Zala KYB can also perform surveillance, reconnaissance and target tracking missions.This drone weighs about 6kg and is launched into the air by means of a catapult and incorporates artificial intelligence visual identification (AIVI) technology, which allows it to increase the tracking area up to 60 times and improves real-time recognition of targets. With only a wingspan of 1.21 meters and a length of only 95 centimeters, the Zala KYB is hardly visible in flight, which together with the AIVI system gives it great lethality, being able to remain flying over the assigned area 30 minutes before carrying out the attack.The KYB UAS is in the shape of a delta wing with winglets at the tips and is equipped with an electric motor that drives a two-bladed propeller in “pusher” configuration installed on the tail. This motor developes a cruise speed of 100km/h and a maximum speed of 130 km/h. The maximum ceiling is about 300 meters amd the nosecone can contain an explosive warhead or sensors and cameras to carry out reconnaissance missions.The Zala KYB entered service in 2020, and it is estimated that about 500 have been delivered since then, although this figure is surely higher after the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. In August 2021, a new improved naval variant that can be launched from ships and high-speed boats was presented and in January 2022 the “KUB-E” variant was authorized for export. Of this last variant, it is known that Eritrea has received 8 units as consideration for allowing the installation of a Russian base in the Afabet area.
