Jun. 9 — Ukrainian military experts found cluster munitions in the Russian Kalibr cruise missiles that were downed in the spring of 2026, reported the Defense Ministry of Ukraine. 

The Kalibr is a family of Russian-made long-range cruise missiles designed to strike land and naval targets. The missile’s maximum range is estimated at between 1,500 and 2,500 kilometers (930-1,550 miles), with a reported circular error probable (CEP) of less than 10 meters (33 feet). Business Insider estimates suggest an accuracy of 1-6 meters (3-20 feet). This means that 50% of the missiles fired are expected to hit within that distance of the intended target.

Ukraine’s Defense Ministry said that, between 2022 and 2026, Russian Kalibr missiles were equipped with high-explosive warheads. According to the Ministry, Russia has now started equipping these missiles with cluster munitions to increase the area of destruction and make the missiles more effective against dispersed targets, including Ukrainian aircraft at airfields, hangars and open positions of military.

The Defense Ministry added that Russia gradually shifted to domestically produced electronic components in Kalibr missile production between 2023 and 2024. However, the onboard digital computer recovered from a Kalibr missile manufactured in 2025 again contained foreign components. 

Ukrainian officials said that the transition to domestic electronics may have reduced the missile’s targeting accuracy, prompting the manufacturer to return to previously used systems.

Ukraine’s Defense Ministry also claimed that it had identified all manufacturers of electronic components used in Kalibr missiles, as well as the chief designers and managers involved in their production. The information is being forwarded to be used for sanctions efforts.

The experts from the Defense Ministry explained that Russia purchased the existing stocks of foreign components before the imposition of sanctions against Russia’s defense industry. 

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