Thailand has debuted its own version of the Iranian Shahed kamikaze drone in its escalating border war with neighboring Cambodia.
Codenamed KB-5E, the weapon adopts a delta-wing design and fuselage similar to the Iranian system, enhancing range, payload efficiency, and survivability against electronic interference.
But unlike its Iranian counterpart, the Thai version has battery-electric powertrain, giving it lower acoustic and thermal signatures.
This could position the KB-5E as a low‑observable strike option capable of penetrating deeper into critical enemy areas with a reduced risk of detection.
Numbers Behind KB-5E
Engineers from the Royal Thai Air Force shaped the KB-5E around lessons drawn from recent conflicts, prioritizing modularity and scalability over visual design.
The system spans 1.7 meters (5.6 feet) and measures just over 1.5 meters (4.9 feet) in length, keeping a compact profile for rapid frontline deployment.
The drone can carry 5-kilogram explosive warheads, cruising at around 90 kilometers (56 miles) per hour before diving toward targets at speeds reaching 220 kilometers (136.7 miles) per hour.
It also offers a reported range of 150 kilometers (93.2 miles) and an endurance of roughly 60 minutes.
Combat ‘Success’
Frontline reports claimed the KB-5E played a role in pressuring Cambodian positions and disrupting operating bases along the border.
Thai forces reportedly deployed the drone alongside artillery and air support, creating a multi-layered attack not previously seen in the conflict.
