Russia modernises Kalibr missiles, adding a cluster warhead and goes back to using imported electronics
Since the start of the full-scale invasion, Russia’s Kalibr cruise missiles have undergone two significant upgrades. Russia began equipping them with cluster warheads and also went back to using imported microchips after a failed attempt to switch to domestically produced components, says Ukraine’s Defence Ministry.
Experts claim that in the missiles used by Russia from 2022 to early 2026, the warhead was of a high-explosive fragmentation type. Its inner lining contains approximately 3,600 small steel fragments. Each fragment is capable of penetrating up to 10 centimeters of concrete.
But in 2026, experts from the Ukrainian Defence Ministry noticed a significant modification: for the first time, the missiles shot down this spring were found to be equipped with a cluster warhead, similar to the one used on the Kh-101. The Kremlin resorted to this upgrade to significantly increase the area of destruction.
The second change affects Kalibr missile electronics. In 2023–2024, Russia tried to produce these components domestically, but the attempt failed. Experts examined the onboard digital computer from a downed missile manufactured by Russia in 2025 and found imported electronics inside.
“The Ministry of Defence has identified all electronics manufacturers for Kalibrs, as well as the chief designers and managers involved in the production of the missiles. This data is being forwarded for further processing within the framework of sanctions policy,” the ministry said.
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