2K12 KUB-M3 (2002 modernization)

PacketlossRedux · August 14, 2025, 8:58pm

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Welcome to my suggestion for the 2K12 KUB-M3 2002 modernization. In War Thunder, this would become an addition to the Italian tree as part of the Hungarian sub-tree.

This Kub-M3 mobile medium-range surface-to-air missile system differs from the base M3 modification as the Hungarian M3s were jointly further modernized by the Hungarian and Polish military industries(Arzenal and Wojskowe Zakłady Uzbrojenia S.A) between 2001 and 2002.

History

The Kub was the first Soviet-developed, semi-active self-guided air defense missile system, which was intended to protect mechanized divisions, moving closely with them.

The Kub–M1, which was the first to enter service in our country, had a larger destruction zone than its predecessor. At the same time, the protection of the homing head against jamming and the reliability of technical equipment improved. In our country, the seventies brought a qualitative development of air defense forces.

In 1975, the first reorganized unit in Keszthely received three Kub–M1 anti-aircraft missile batteries, which were expanded with two more batteries in 1977. The structure of a battery – as it is today – looked as follows: one 1SZ91 SZURN self-propelled fire guidance locator, four 2P25 SZPU self-propelled launchers, with a total of twelve 3M9 anti-aircraft missiles, three per launcher. With six more spare missiles on two additional loading-transport vehicles.

The 14th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment (MN 5532), established in Lenti in 1963, and was rearmed with three Kub–M2 missile batteries two years later.

kub_felvarro_sajat_gyujtemeny

The next change came in 1987. During the reorganization of the ground forces, known as the Rubin task, all Kub and Krug regiments were renamed from anti-aircraft artillery regiments to anti-aircraft missile regiments. Due to the abolition of mechanized rifle divisions, the Kub regiments were then assigned to a mechanized corps command.

In the 1980s, all Kub equipment was upgraded to the M3 level. At that time, the destruction zone was increased again, and the jamming protection of the homing head was further improved. The system also became more effective against high-speed and fast-moving targets, ultimately increasing the probability of destruction by 10-15 percent.

The Kub weapon system was further modernized, jointly by the Hungarian and Polish military industries(Arzenal and Wojskowe Zakłady Uzbrojenia S.A) between 2001 and 2002. As a result of the modernization, the self-propelled target detection and tracking stations, as well as the launch platforms, underwent life extension and development.

After the modernization, the fire guidance locators were only required to illuminate the target after the missile was launched, thus increasing the survivability of the battery. This was due to the new Polish long-range TV/ thermal cameras and the “universal interface device”(which replaced the KPC cabin) that made target tracking and locking possible without radar emission.

After modernization, a single battery consisted of 1x 1S91M SURN radar vehicle and 4x 2P25M launcher vehicles. The 1x 9S417 KPC cabin, which used to be part of the standard KUB battery, was replaced by the “universal interface device” as part of the SURN modernization.

The KUB systems were phased out by the NASAMS-3 air defence missile system ordered in 2020 and delivered between 2023 - 2024. And in 2024, an undisclosed number of KUB systems were sold to Serbia, marking the end of this system’s role in the Hungarian air defense.

Modernization of the 1S91M Reconnaissance and Missile Guiding station and 2P25M Mobile Launcher system:

Overall effects of the modernization

Névtelen

1S91M SURN Reconnaissance and Missile Guiding station

UPGRADE OF 2K12 KUB (SA-6) ANTI-AIRCRAFT MISSILE SYSTEM

Source:https://wzu.pl/sites/default/files/Upgrade_SA_6_anti_aircraft_missile_system.pdf

Fire control radar (SZURN)

The Battery Fire Control Officer’s workplace is in the SZURN fire unit, where on the computer (TCO workplace) he/she can keep track of synthetic air picture formed in the FDC, receives orders (SSTO and engagement), and sends reports to the FDC (SSREP and engagement).

In observation mode, radar emission is unnecessary as airborne objects are observable without it.

In automatic mode ,the equipment receives control signals from the universal interface device (installed as the replacement of the KPC cabin) that locks it on the target in elevation and azimuth. The capture-tracking can be started using television or thermal cameras, which are parallel with target acquisition radar.

Source:

https://www.hmarzenal.hu/vedelmi-ipar/k-1p-tuzvezeto-rendszer.html

https://real.mtak.hu/145876/1/6_283AARMSVol.13No.22014283293.pdf

2P25M Mobile Launcher

Névtelen2

The upgrade of the 2P25M Mobile Launcher includes the integration of next-generation missiles; however, to my knowledge, this capability was never utilized, as the Hungarian KUB only used the 3M9M3 missile.

Specifications

Spoiler

Missile: 3M9M3 Semi-active radar homing surface-to-air missile.
Speed: Mach 2.8–3.0
Length: 5.8 m
Diameter: 0.33 m
Wingspan: 1.245 m
Launch weight: 599 kg

Launcher vehicle: 2P25M Mobile Launcher
2P25M

Basic specifications are the same as on the KUB-M3.

Loadout: 3 × 3M9M3 ready-to-fire missiles

Traverse: 360°

Elevation Range: ~−4° to +85°

Length: 7.389 m

Width: 3.18 m

Height: 3.45 including missiles in transport position

Chassis: GM-578

Engine: YaMZ-206V diesel, ~240 hp

Top Speed: ~45 km/h (road)

Protection: Light armor against small arms and shrapnel

Weight of a self-propelled launcher with three missiles and with a combat crew of 3 people on board is 19.5 tons.

Crew: 3

Radar and Fire Control Vehicle: 1S91M SURN Reconnaissance and Missile Guiding Station

Same as for the base M3, aside from the above-mentioned modernizations like the:

Increased resistance to passive and active interference
Increased detection of low RCS targets
Radio electronic camouflage ECCM by application of radar sector blanking system
Passive day and night target acquisition by new long-range thermovisual and television cameras
Application of IFF target identification system in the Mark XII Mode 4 standard

Chassis: GM-568

The weight of a self-propelled reconnaissance and guidance system with a combat crew of 4 people is 20.3 tons.

Crew: 4

Gallery:

Spoiler