In this article, you will find an in-depth investigation that reveals important aspects of the operations of one of the key plants in the Russian defense industry.
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You will learn about the activities of KBM Kolomna, in particular the production of high-precision missile technology, including the Iskander-M and Kinzhal complexes. The article reveals how the company circumvents international sanctions and continues to receive components for its production.
In August 2022, after the start of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, another military-technical forum, Army-2022, was held in the Russian Federation, organized at the initiative of the Ministry of Defense. The event was remembered not only for the presentation of a fake “robot”, which turned out to be an ordinary toy from AliExpress, but also for the demonstration of the “X-69” missile. Subsequently, it was this missile that was used to carry out strikes on Ukraine, in particular, the Trypillya TPP was destroyed.
In addition to representatives of the Smolensk Aviation Plant, which we have already talked about, the forum was attended by delegates from Chinese and Iranian companies. Representatives of the Kolomna KBM (Engineering Design Bureau) also participated in the event. For them, this exhibition turned out to be quite successful, since in the same month the Russian Ministry of Defense concluded a contract with the enterprise for the supply of Iskander-M missiles. Apparently, the order was large-scale, as at the same time information appeared about the expansion of KBM’s staff and the transition to two or three shifts. Later, the plant was personally visited by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.
In parallel with the production processes, the enterprise was modernized. In the period from 2017 to 2022, the buildings were renovated on the territory of the landfill, new warehouses and production facilities were built, in particular for the production of cable products. Although the work was officially announced to be completed, satellite images for December 2022 do not confirm the appearance of new buildings. KBM is implementing a long-term program of reconstruction and equipment replacement, designed for 2019–2027.
We will tell you more about the location of the production, the landfills, and various workshops later.
The Mechanical Engineering Design Bureau (KBM) is a large scientific and production enterprise located in the city of Kolomna, Moscow Oblast, Russia. Its full name in Russian is the Order of Lenin and the Order of the Red Banner of Labor JSC Scientific and Production Corporation “KB Mechanical Engineering Design”. Founded in 1942 as a specialized bureau for the development of smooth-bore artillery, KBM is now focused on the creation, production and testing of high-precision missile technology.
KBM is one of the key developers in four areas of the Russian military complex:
KBM is part of the High-Precision Complexes holding, which is part of the Rostec state corporation. The enterprise specializes in the development and production of high-precision missile technology, including the Iskander-M operational-tactical missile system. This system is in service with the Russian army and is supplied abroad to the following countries:
It is known that the Iskander-E was transferred to Algeria, where four regiments of this complex, totaling 48 launchers, are probably operating. Officially, representatives of the Russian Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation confirmed the supply of the missile complex to one of the countries of the Middle East and North Africa at the Dubai Airshow 2017.
Armenia has received approximately 25 Iskanders as part of its cooperation with the CSTO. In 2017, these missile systems were seen at the Armenian Independence Day military parade, and the country’s Ministry of Defense confirmed their presence in the armed forces.
Belarus has also become one of the buyers of this weapon. In May 2022, Alexander Lukashenko announced the purchase of Iskanders, in particular modifications capable of carrying nuclear warheads.
In addition to its main activity, KBM is engaged in training students in engineering specialties. Every year, about 28–29 students undergo internships at the enterprise, who receive scholarships and employment prospects.
In 2016, a division related to the production and sale of agricultural machinery was created – OOO Kolang. Although the official website of this company states that it was founded back in 1995.
KBM includes a design division, a testing ground near the village of Shchukovo, as well as two buildings of assembly and finishing production. The closed territory of the test site has its own lakes, which local residents visit “by appointment.” Some parts of the fence are missing, making the area partially accessible.
General Director of NPO High-Precision Complexes and General Designer of KBM. Only the US has imposed sanctions on him. No other personal sanctions have been identified.
Born on September 14, 1947.
Director General of the NPO “High-precision Complexes” (since 2022)
General Designer of KBM (since 2015)
Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Department of Energy and Mechanical Engineering (since 2022)
Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences (since 2016)
Career:
1974 – after completing postgraduate studies at the Bauman Moscow State Technical University, joined KBM as an engineer in the Department of Advanced Developments.
1981 – Head of the laboratory engaged in the development of an active protection complex for intercontinental ballistic missiles (“product 71”).
2005–2015 – Headed KBM as Director.
Since 2015 – simultaneously holds the positions of Deputy Director of NPO “High-precision Complexes” and General Designer of KBM.
Since 2016 – Head of the Department of SM-6 “Missile and Pulse Systems”.
Pitikov has not been sanctioned by the Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council. It is likely that his daughter, Maya Lind (whose last name has been changed), lives in Sweden.
General Director of KBM (since 2022)
General Director of KBM (until 2022)
Awarded with a diploma for achievements in the defense sector by order of Russian President Putin (February 2021)
Sanctions: included in the sanctions list of Canada, but not under sanctions of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine
Residence and property:
Lives: Kolomna, Filina St., b.2, apt. 9
Wife – Larisa Alexandrovna Pitikova (born 12/27/1959)
Social networks: Instagram
Opened an individual enterprise in Kolomna (2014–2019), engaged in water treatment and construction
Tax debts: entered into the bailiffs’ database due to non-payment of taxes (2019)
Registered: Kolomna, Oktyabrskaya Revolutsii St., 372, apt. 7
Contacts: Email: [email protected]. Phone: +7 (905) 711-63-78. TIN: 502208215193
Daughter – Maya Lind
Lives in Sweden
On February 24, 2022, she posted on Facebook: “FEAR AND SHAME.. that’s how it feels to wake up into a world without democracy and Human Rights”
Social networks: Facebook, Instagram1, Instagram2
The Kolomna Engineering Design Bureau (KBM) is located in Kolomna, Moscow Oblast, Russia. The head office is located at 42 Oksky Prospekt. In addition, the enterprise includes several production buildings and auxiliary facilities located near the main territory.
It is possible that there are underground production facilities or an exhibition complex with museum exhibits on the territory of the plant.
Another facility of the enterprise, warehouse No. 51, is located at 40 Oksky Prospekt, letter 1T, Kolomna, Moscow Oblast, coordinates: 55.06886536543126, 38.799627427626405.
At a distance of approximately 6 km there is another facility. This is a landfill in the village of Shchukovo, Akatyev. Its area is 3580 hectares. Coordinates 55.03780804367893, 38.82094027439596.
This range also tests small arms produced by other plants, and is also home to military unit 88612 (236th Artillery Brigade). In 2017, production equipment was recorded at facility No. 6. The range includes:
video surveillance, barriers and anti-ramming barriers;
production of serial “promising products”.
The branch of KBM Kolomna in the city of Tula is located at: ul. Epifanskaya, building 127-A. This is a three-story building with a total area of 1203.5 sq.m (letters A1, A2). According to the data received, the building is intended for scientific and design activities, but does not have production facilities. It is known that in October 2016, repairs were carried out here, and in 2017 the company made an advance payment for the lease of the premises until the end of 2020. Nearby, in building No. 127, there is a kindergarten No. 25.
Another branch of NPK KBM is located in the city of Znamensk, Astrakhan region, at the address: ul. Sovetskoi Armii, building 20. This is a private sector, and the building itself is designated as a laboratory and production building with inventory number 100279. In 2014, repairs were carried out here.
The third branch is located in Moscow, probably in the business center on Mira Avenue, building 176. The same business center is home to the company Shvabe, which specializes in the development of optoelectronic equipment for civilian and military needs, in particular in medicine. Shvabe is a subsidiary of Rostec, which may indicate a connection between the two companies.
The fourth location in Moscow is located at: ul. Sovetskoi Armii, building 5, building 6. This is where the Central Research Institute of Automation and Hydraulics is located, which is part of the High-Precision Complexes holding, which is also part of Rostec. The main specialization of the center is the development of hydraulic systems for launchers, probably for complexes such as Iskander and other military developments.
In February 2023, an explosion occurred on the territory of the plant, after which a fire broke out.
Russian media reported that the fire probably occurred in the “railway train repair depot” at 66 Omsky Prospekt. According to their version, the fire started in the hangar of the company “Technology of the 21st Century”, which is engaged in servicing diesel engines. Photos and video footage from the scene confirm that it was this hangar that was engulfed in flames.
Ukrainian media also reported an explosion and fire on the territory of the plant. Local residents testified that they allegedly heard a whistle, followed by an explosion.
The hangar of the company “Technology of the 21st Century”, which specializes in servicing diesel engines, is located at 66 Omsky Prospekt. Judging by the photos and video, it was this hangar that was engulfed in flames during the incident.
KBM Kolomna is actively expanding its production activities and participating in the execution of state military orders. The Army-2022 exhibition confirmed the company’s close cooperation with the Russian Ministry of Defense, in particular through contracts for the supply of Iskander-M missiles. There is also a clear connection between KBM and the Russian state corporation Rostec.
In addition to the main production complex in Kolomna, KBM has branches in several Russian cities – Tula, Znamensk and Moscow. The company tests its products at the Shchukovo test site. Despite the close integration of KBM’s management into the Russian defense structure, not all of its senior officials have fallen under international or Ukrainian sanctions.
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