The Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine reports, that Russia started using a new cruise missile “Filin” at the end of this summer. This is a new modification of drones from previous generations, launched as UAVs from the ground (not from aircraft) and have a smaller warhead than classic cruise missiles. These new rocket-drones can reach further inland regions of the country, with a declared flight range of 1,200 kilometers, while current rocket drones in various modifications fly significantly less.
According to the Intelligence Directorate, the missile was developed by JSC “NPO Molniya”, which is part of the “Tactical Missile Armament” corporation. Intelligence notes that “Filin” marks a continuation of the Russian military-industrial complex’s trend of creating relatively inexpensive air attack tools with jet propulsion and ground launch.
According to the agency, the missile has a composite fuselage made of carbon and fiberglass, 3.5 meters in length, with a wingspan of 3 meters.
Some components are manufactured using 3D printing. The declared maximum speed of “Filin” is up to 800 km/h, with a flight range of up to 1,200 km.
The missile can operate at both ultra-low altitudes and altitudes up to 6 km. There are modifications with warheads weighing 50 and 100 kg.
Externally, it slightly resembles the “Geran-5” of the latest generation with a jet engine but flies significantly slower.
The missile is launched from a ground installation using a powder accelerator.
It was also established by the Intelligence Directorate that the onboard equipment for “Filin” is produced by the Russian company LLC “PLAZ”, which participates in the production of “Harpy” drones. According to intelligence, the units of both products have similar layouts and markings.
Target guidance for the missile is provided by a Chinese-made inertial navigation system and a 16-channel “Kometa” system. Meanwhile, an analysis of the elemental base showed an increase in the share of Chinese components compared to other Russian missiles and drones.
As reported by the Intelligence Directorate, the engine of the “Filin” is Russian. It concerns the R500 produced by LLC “Reynolds”. The same engine was earlier identified in the S-71K “Kover” and S-71M “Monochrome” cruise aircraft missiles.
A New Threat Instead of Shaheds
Recently, the Minister of Defense of Ukraine, Yevhenii Khmara, stated that the Ministry of Defense is working on providing interceptor drones, aviation and ammunition, anti-aircraft missile and artillery systems, turrets, electronic warfare means, and other solutions for Ukraine’s air defense.
“We also know the solutions that Russia is developing, which concern rocket drones with a speed of 800 km. We are also working on countering the next generation of threats. Relevant tasks – to provide proposals and prototypes – have been set for manufacturers and the defense industry,” said Khmara. According to BBC sources in the Ministry of Defense, he was referring to the “Filin.”
Missiles, drone-missiles, or loitering munitions that increase their speed to 800-900 km/h become even more challenging targets for interceptors than the usual Shaheds and first-generation rocket drones.
Yevhenii Khmara also told journalists that Ukraine already has successful results in using interceptor drones against rocket drones.
“One unit, during combat use with five interceptors (“Bars”), destroyed five aerial targets. That is, the effectiveness is 100%,” said the minister.
According to him, aviation remains one of the most effective means of combating rocket drones.
Earlier, the BBC wrote that the era of conventional interceptor drones against Shaheds and first-generation rocket drones is passing, and with the emergence of new drone-missile modifications with speeds of 800-900, new means of shooting them down are needed. Fast interceptors with jet engines, which are lacking in Ukraine, will be necessary for this.
Cover image: 3D model of the new Russian cruise missile “Filin”. Photo: War&Sanctions/Military Intelligence of Ukraine
