LOCATION: Kolomna, Moscow Oblast
Address: 42 Okskiy prospekt, Kolomna, Moscow Oblast 140402
Telephone: (4966) 16-34-68
Fax: (4966) 13-30-64
Email: kbm@kolomna.ru
{Entered 10/31/2007 JQ}
HOMEPAGE: http://www.kbm.ru/en/
ADMINISTRATION:
Director/Head Designer: Valeriy Kashin
Past Directors:  Nikolay Gushchin, Sergey Nepobedimyy.
{Entered 10/31/2007 JQ}

BACKGROUND:
The Design Bureau of Machine-Building (KBM) was founded in April 1942 as a Special Design Bureau (SKB); its primary task was the development of mortars and recoilless rifles. Its specialization shifted to guided missile systems in 1956.[1] In 1965 Sergey Nepobedimyy replaced SKB's first director, Boris Shavyrin; he remained general director until 1989, guiding KBM through its most significant achievements.[2,3,11] SKB was renamed KBM in 1966.[4] Since 1956 KBM has designed a wide range of light surface-to-air and anti-tank missiles, and several tactical ballistic missiles.  Its designs include Strela-2 [NATO designation SA-7 'Grail'], Strela-3 [SA-14 'Gremlin'], and Igla-1 [SA-18 'Grouse'] surface-to-air missile systems. KBM's anti-tank missile designs include the Shmel [AT-1 'Snapper'] and Malyutka [AT-3 'Sagger'].[1] Over 300,000 Malyutka systems alone were procured by the Soviet Union and 35 other countries.[5]

KBM's first large-scale ballistic missile project began in the early 1960s. The Gnom missile was to be a multi-stage missile using ramjet propulsion in one of the stages. The project, however, was cancelled in 1965.[3] The first ballistic missile designed by KBM to enter service was the Tochka [SS-21 'Scarab'] tactical ballistic missile, which became operational in 1975. The Tochka-U that followed in 1989 was an enhanced version of the Tochka and its range was increased from 70km to 120km.[6]

In addition to the Tochka, KBM designed the Oka [SS-23 'Spider'] SRBM. Developed as a solid-fuel tactical ballistic missile with a range of 400km, the Oka was first deployed by the Soviet Union in 1980.[6] It was later included in the list of medium and short-range missiles to be eliminated under the Intermediate Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF). As a result, the USSR destroyed 239 Oka missiles.[7] In 1991, however, it was discovered that the Soviet Union had secretly retained Oka missiles in violation of the INF Treaty, and that numerous SS-23s resided in Czechoslovakia and Bulgaria.  The Czech Republic destroyed its Oka missiles between 1995 and 1996,[8] and Slovakia dismantled its last remaining Oka systems in 2000 with US assistance.[9] The Bulgarian Defense Ministry announced its intention to decommission its eight remaining Okas on 4 October 2001.[10] An improved version of the Oka, the Oka-U, was ready for test launches in 1987, but the entire program was cancelled due to the INF Treaty.[6]
Sources:
[1] "For Tanks - 'Khrizantema' is a Lost Cause," Krasnaya zvezda online edition, 5 August 2000; in "Head of Kolomna Design Bureau Touts Product Line," FBIS Document CEP20000804000327.
[2] Sergey Aleksandrov, "Sergey Pavlovich Nepobedimyy," Lyudi Web Site, http://www.peoples.ru/military/design/nepobedimy.
[3] Mikhail Pervov, "Raketnyye kompleksy RVSN," Tekhnika i vooruzheniye, No. 5-6, 2001, p. 54.
[4] "PZRK 9K32 'Strela-2' (SA-7 Grail)," Vestnik PVO Web Site, http://pvo.ru/pzrk/strela.htm, 16 November 2001.
[5] "Protivotankkovyy paketnyy kompleks 'Malyutka' (9K14/9K11)," Novaya faktoriya Web Site, http://new-factoria.ru/.
[6] Sergey Sokut, "Innovation: Iskander-E Attacks the Rivals: Russia's Leading Role in the Surface-to-Surface Class of Missile Weaponry is Being Restored," Nezavisimoye voyennoye obozreniye, 1-7 October 1999, No. 38, p. 6; in "Tech Specs of Iskander-E Missile System," FBIS Document FTS19991007001708.
[7] "Noveyshiy operativno-takticheskiy raketnyy kompleks 'Iskander' mozhet postupit na vooruzheniye Rossiyskoy armii v dekabre 2000 goda," Agentstvo voyennykh novostey, 9 January 2000; in Universal Database of Military & Security Periodicals, http://online.eastview.com/.
[8] Kenneth R. Timmerman, "Can Moscow Be Trusted? Russia's hidden nuclear missiles," WorldNetDaily Web Site, http://www.worldnetdaily.com/, 5 June 2000.
[9] Vasil Lyutskanov, "Svinarov to Negotiate with Pentagon for US Missiles," Trud, 14 December 2001; in "Bulgaria Wants US Missile Systems as Compensation for SS-23s," FBIS Document EUP20011216000094.
[10] "We are Scrapping SS-23 Missiles," Trud, 5 October 2001; in "Bulgaria to Retire SS-23 Missiles," FBIS Document EUP20011005000324.
[11] Dayma Timergaliyeva, "Vedushcheye v Rossii predpriyatiye po razrabotke raketnykh vooruzheniy otmechayet svoy 60-letniy yubilay," ITAR-TASS, 21 May 2002; in Integrum Techno, http://www.integrum.ru. {Entered 5/15/2002 EL}

ACTIVITIES:
As of 2006, KBM was a recipient of substantial government funding as part of Russia's national defense order for production as well as research and development purposes. However, Valeriy Kashin also indicated that the company retains significant reliance on the export market.[1] From 1998 to 2001 KBM saw a continual increase in its export market. In February 2001, KBM predicted 80% of all 2001 revenue would come from foreign sales.[2] In 2005, KBM reportedly earned $60 million from sales abroad, however, its total revenue for the year is unknown. [3] From August 1999, KBM was permitted to export its arms independently, a privilege gained through support of KBM's strategic partner industrial holding company Novyye programmy i kontseptsii (NPK), and NPK director Boris Kuzyk.[4] However, since 1 March 2007, KBM has had to conduct all export activities through the state arms intermediary Rosoboroneksport. [5]

KBM continues research and development of missile systems, begun during the Soviet era. Upgrading technology developed for the Oka, KBM designed the Iskander [NATO designation SS-26 'Stone'] short-range tactical ballistic missile (for more information on the system, please see the Overview of Missiles Exported by Russia).[6] Exhibited for the first time at Ural-Expo-Arms 2000, the 280-km range Iskander-E, has attracted considerable interest from international buyers.[7] Moreover, the Russian armed forces have also begun procurement of the 400-km range Iskander-M systems, and expect to have 15 Iskander-M missile brigades by 2015.[8] The Tochka-U has been mostly overshadowed by the new Iskander-E on the export market, and is being gradually replaced with the Iskander-M in the Russian armed forces. [9]

KBM's list of clients includes more than 60 countries, some of which have also purchased licenses to manufacture KBM ordnance.[10] The most popular export remains the Igla and Igla-S man-air portable air defense system (MANPADS), and KBM is the only Russian enterprise manufacturing and servicing Russian-made MANPADS abroad.[1] KBM systems marketed for export also include the Khrizantema anti-tank missile, Arena tank anti-missile protection system, and a new variant of the Malyutka [AT-3 'Sagger'].[11]

KBM also designed and produced dual-use and civilian goods during the 1990s, however their efforts at designing electrical meters and agricultural machinery have been met with limited success. [1]
Sources:
 [1] Nikolay Poroskov, "PZRK - oruzhiye politicheskoye," Vremya Novostei, 1 March 2006; in KB Mashinostroyeniya press center, http://www.kbm.ru/ru/press/10/. 
[2]"Kolomenskoye byuro mashinostroyeniya," Novosti Tsentra AST, 16 February 2001, Center for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies (CAST), http://www.cast.ru/.
[3]Dmitry Vasiliev, "Russia's Arms Trade with Foreign States," Center for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies (CAST) Moscow Defense Brief, 1/2006, http://mdb.cast.ru/. 
[4] "Kholdingovaya promyshlennaya kompaniya 'Novyye programmy i kontseptsii'," Eksport vooruzheniy, Center for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies (CAST), July-August 2000, http://www.cast.ru/.
[5] "Sergey Chemezov Scores a Monopoly," Kommersant, 15 December 2006; http://www.kommersant.com/. 
[6] "Rossiyskaya armiya vooruzhayetsya 'Iskanderom'," Agentstvo voyennykhh novostey, No. 8, 11 August 1999; in Universal Database of Russian Military & Security Periodicals, http://online.eastview.com/.
[7] Sergey Putilov, "'Iskander' atakuyet mirovoy rynok oruzhiya," Vremya MN, 7 April 2001; in Universal Database of Central Russian Newspapers, http://online.eastview.com/.
[8]Jim Hunter, "Iskander-M SRBM to enter service in 2007," Jane's Defence Weekly, November 29, 2006; in Jane's online, www.janes.com/.
[9]Mark Galeotti, "Putin puts confidence in new generation of missiles," Jane's Intelligence Review, 1 February 2005; in Jane's online, www.janes.com/.
[10]"Predstaviteli Minoborony Irana posetili poligon KB mashinostroyeniya v Kolomne," Agentstvo voyennykh novostey, 10 March 2001; in Universal Database of Russian Military & Security Periodicals, http://online.eastview.com/.
[11] "About Us: Figures and Facts," KB Mashinostroyeniya website, undated; http://www.kbm.ru/.
{Entered 10/31/2007 AL}

 
KBM ARCHIVED DEVELOPMENTS:

This section is no longer being updated. For recent developments, please, see Delivery Vehicle Facility Developments.

29/5/2007: RUSSIA TEST-FIRES NEW R-500 CRUISE MISSILE
On 29 May 2007, Russia test-fired its new KBM-designed R-500 (Iskander-K) cruise missile from the mobile Iskander platform. While previously existing Iskander systems were armed with ballistic missiles, the Iskander transporter erector launcher can also be used for the R-500. During the test, the missile flew at an altitude of 100 meters, and at a speed of approximately 250 meters per second, completing several maneuvers before reaching the target area. Deviation from course trajectory is reported to have been less than 30 meters.
[Nikolai Sokov, "Russia Tests a New Ground-Launched Cruise Missile and a New Strategic Missile on the Same Day," CNS Research Story, 1 June 2007, http://cns.miis.edu/] {Entered 10/31/2007 JQ}

28/12/2006: U.S. STATE DEPT. SANCTIONS KBM FOR IRAN AND SYRIA NONPROLIFERATION ACT VIOLATIONS
On 22 December 2006, the United States government determined that 24 actors including the Kolomna Design Bureau of Machine Building have engaged in activities warranting measures pursuant to Section 3 of the Iran and Syria Nonproliferation Act (ISNA). The Act provides for measures against entities engaging in transfer to, or acquisition from, Iran or Syria of any technology or materials controlled by international export agreements, or "otherwise having the potential to make a material contribution to the development of weapons of mass destruction or cruise or ballistic missile systems." Sanctions levied against KBM may have been triggered by a 2005 sale of Strelets surface-to-air missiles systems to Syria.
["Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation; Imposition of Nonproliferation Measures Against Foreign Persons, Including a Ban on U.S. Government Procurement," Federal Register 27/3, January 5, 2007, http://www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/index.html/; Nikolai Sokov, "Russia Deplores U.S. Sanctions; Declares They Will Not Affect Arms Trade with Tehran," WMD Insights, March 2007, http://www.wmdinsights.com/] {Entered 10/31/2007 JQ}

23/08/2006: SYRIA RECEIVES FIRST SHIPMENT OF STRELETS AIR DEFENSE SYSTEM
On 23 August 2006, Jane's Defence Weekly reported that Russia had begun deliveries of KBM-designed and manufactured Strelets mobile short-range anti-aircraft systems (Igla-S MANPADS in a vehicle-mounted configuration) to Syria. While Damascus initially intended to purchase SA-18 Igla-S MANPADS, Moscow halted the sale of the shoulder-fired systems amid concerns of their potential retransfer to Hezbollah, agreeing to supply Syria with the vehicle-mounted Strelets systems in 2005 instead.
[Christopher Foss, "Syria receives first Strelets SAMs," Jane's Defence Weekly, 23 August 2006; Jane's online, www.janes.com/; Keri Smith, "Rosoboronexport denies claims of Strelets deal with Syria," Jane's Defence Industry, 1 March 2007; Jane's online, www.janes.com/.] {Entered 10/31/2007 JQ}

9/8/2004: RUSSIAN ARMY TO PROCURE ISKANDER-E AFTER STATE TRIALS
On 8 September 2004, Jane's Defence Weekly reported that the Russian Army was set to begin procurement of the Iskander-E tactical ballistic missile system in 2005 to form a missile brigade. The decision was made upon sucessful completion of state trials, during which the missile was launched 13 times in flat and ballistic trajectories. Russia's Defence Minister Sergey Ivanov had announced that some the necessary funding was already allocated under the 2004 National Defence Order. Jane's Missiles and Rockets also reported on 1 May 2004 that the KBM-designed Iskander-E, repeatedly prevented by funding shortfalls from entering into service in 2001, would soon enter serial production in 2004 at the Votkinsk Machine Building Plant.
[Nikolai Novichkov, "Iskander Passes State Trials," Jane's Defence Weekly, September 8, 2004; David Isby, "Iskander-E production to start in 2004," Jane's Missiles and Rockets, May 1, 2004; Jane's online, www.janes.com/.] {Entered 10/31/2007 AL}

4/1/2003: KBM ANNOUNCES SERIAL PRODUCTION OF IGLA-S MANPADS
According to an 1 April 2003 issue of Jane's Missiles and Rockets, during the year 2003 KBM planned to produce and export 530 Igla-S man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS) to India, Malaysia, and potentially North Korea. The Russian armed forces reportedly accepted the system in July of 2002 after state trials were completed.
[David Isby, "Igla-S to enter production," Jane's Missiles and Rockets, April 1, 2003; Jane's online, www.janes.com/.] {Entered 10/31/2007 AL}

1/30/2002: UNITED STATES INTERESTED IN ARENA SYSTEM
Agentstvo voyennykh novostey reported on 30 January 2002 that, according to KBM representatives, US firms have been involved in negotiations with KBM on the possible sale of Arena tank anti-missile defense systems. KBM First Deputy General Designer Valeriy Kashin said that while the US firms wish to purchase only two or three systems, KBM insists on selling no fewer than 100. KBM halted talks with US firm General Dynamics in the fall of 2001 due to an apparent inability to overcome differences. According to KBM, the Arena system has also attracted the interest of France, Germany, Turkey, and South Korea.
["Konstruktorskoye byuro mashinostroyeniya prodolzhayet peregovory c amerikanskoy storonoy po kompleksu aktivnoy zashchity Arena," Agentstvo voyennykh novostey, 30 January 2002; in Universal Database of Military & Security Periodicals, http://online.eastview.com/.] {Entered 5/15/2002 EL}

1/25/2002: ISKANDER TESTS TO BE FINISHED IN 2002
According to an article in the 25 January 2002 issue of Nezavisimoye voyennoye obozreniye, state acceptance tests of the Iskander are to be completed by the end of 2002. As of January 2002, the missile had successfully completed 40% of its required tests.
[Igor Korotchenko, "Perspektiva. Ot 'Igly' do 'Iskandera'," Nezavisimoe voyennoye obozreniye, 25 January 2002; in Universal Database of Russian Military & Security Periodicals, http://online.eastview.com/.] {Entered 5/15/2002 EL}

10/16/2001: KHRIZANTEMA TESTS NEAR COMPLETION
Agentstvo voyennykh novostey reported on 16 October 2001 that the state acceptance tests of the Khrizantema anti-tank missile would be completed "in a few months." According to the KBM First Deputy General Designer Valeriy Kashin, the tests were proceeding according to schedule.
["Ispytaniya raketnoro kompleksa 'Khrizantema-S' zavershatsya cherez neskolko mesyatsev," Agentstvo voyennykh novostey, 16 October 2001; in Universal Database of Military & Security Periodicals, http://online.eastview.com/.] {Entered 5/15/2002 EL}

10/3/2001: IRANIAN VISIT TO KBM
Agentstvo voyennykh novostey reported that on 3 October 2001 representatives of the Iranian Ministry of Defense, headed by a deputy defense minister, visited KBM. The visit was part of a larger Iranian delegation, headed by Defense Minister Ali Shamkhani, which conducted talks in Moscow on military-technical cooperation. Iranian visitors were acquainted with KBM products that were cleared for export and were treated to a live-fire demonstration. During the visit KBM Director Nikolay Gushchin and Deputy Director for Foreign Economic Activities Valeriy Lomako were in Moscow, possibly engaged in the talks with the Iranian delegation.
["Predstaviteli minoborony Irana posetili poligon KB mashinostroyeniya v Kolomne," Agentstvo voyennykh novostey, 10 March 2001; in Universal Database of Russian Military & Security Periodicals, http://online.eastview.com/.] {Entered 5/15/2002 EL}
 
5/24/2001: SYRIA SEEKS ISKANDER
On 24 May 2001 Deputy Prime Minister Ilya Klebanov met with the Syrian Defense Minister, Marshal Mustafa Talas, to discuss military-technical cooperation between the two countries. During the talks Talas requested Russian assistance in modernizing a number of weapon systems of Soviet manufacture in Syrian service, and the sale of several modern weapon systems, including KBM's Iskander tactical ballistic missile.
[Kommersant, 25 May 2001; in "Russia to Meet Syrian Requirements in Defense Weapons," Checkpoint Web Site,
http://www.checkpoint-online.ch/, 16 June 2001.] {Entered 5/15/2002 EL}

4/14/2001: ROSOBORONEKSPORT, KBM SIGN AGREEMENT
Krasnaya zvezda reported on 14 April 2001 that KBM and the state arms export company Rosoboroneksport had signed a general agreement in Kolomna concerning cooperation between the two entities on promoting arms export. KBM and Rosoboroneksport are to cooperate on identifying potential markets, seek out foreign customers, conduct marketing, and exchange information. The collaboration is also to extend into the area of contract preparation and implementation. The general director of the Novyye programmy i kontseptsii holding company, Boris Kuzyk, whose companies collaborate with KBM, praised the agreement as promising to increase orders both for KBM and for the firms of Kuzyk's holding company.
[Andrei Garavskiy, "Aktualno. Spetseksportery obyedinyayut usiliya," Krasnaya zvezda, 14 April 2001; in Universal Database of Russian Military & Security Periodicals, http://online.eastview.com/.] {Entered 5/15/2002 EL}

2/15/2001: INDIA BUYS IGLAS
Vremya novostey reported on 15 February 2001 that KBM had signed a contract to deliver Igla man-portable anti-aircraft missiles to India. The contract, which was signed in November 2000, but the existence of which was not made public until recently, was reported to be worth $50 million.
[Olga Antonova, "'Igla' dlya Deli," Vremya novostey online edition, http://www.vremya.ru/, 15 February 2001.] {Entered 5/15/2002 EL}

Comments or questions? Contact Anya Loukianova at MIIS CNS: Anna.LoukianovaATmiis.edu
 
 
 

This material is produced independently for NTI by the Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of and has not been independently verified by NTI or its directors, officers, employees, agents. Copyright © 2003 by MIIS.

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