Russia has begun using a new cruise missile, the Filin, against Ukraine, adding to Moscow’s growing arsenal of relatively inexpensive long-range weapons designed to stretch Kyiv’s air defences. The missile combines a Russian-made jet engine with electronic components linked to American and Chinese manufacturers, according to Ukraine’s military intelligence agency, HUR, as reported by Kyiv Post.The weapon reportedly entered combat use in late summer 2026. Its emergence highlights Russia’s efforts to develop cheaper strike systems capable of reaching targets deep inside Ukrainian territory, potentially complicating Kyiv’s efforts to intercept repeated waves of drones and missiles.On October 22, HUR released an interactive 3D model, technical specifications and a component database on its War&Sanctions portal. According to Militarnyi, the agency’s findings indicate that the Filin combines standardised electronics and some 3D-printed components with a Russian propulsion system. Its advertised performance, however, has not been independently verified. US electronics, Chinese navigation and Russian firepowerAccording to Kyiv Post, HUR identified 35 electronic components associated with US manufacturers and 22 linked to Chinese manufacturers. The agency said the electronics resemble those found in other Russian missiles and drones, with standardised designs across different onboard units and circuit boards that could help simplify production.The missile was developed by Moscow-based NPO Molniya, part of Russia’s Tactical Missiles Corporation. Its 3.5-metre-long fuselage and three-metre wingspan are made from carbon fibre and fibreglass composites, while some structural parts are manufactured using 3D printing, Militarnyi reported.The Filin uses a Russian-made R500 turbojet engine manufactured by Reynolds LLC. Its onboard equipment is assembled by St Petersburg-based PLAZ LLC, which is also involved in producing electronics for Russia’s Garpiya attack drones, according to the Long War Journal.For navigation, HUR identified a Chinese-made inertial navigation system and a 16-channel Kometa antenna designed to improve resistance to electronic warfare interference. The missile launches from a ground-based platform using a solid-propellant booster and reportedly carries either a 50-kg or 100-kg warhead.Russian-advertised specifications cited by HUR put its maximum speed at 800 kmph and its range at up to 1,200 km. The missile can reportedly fly at extremely low altitudes or reach heights of six kilometres, according to Kyiv Post. A cheaper weapon as Ukraine’s air defences face pressureThe Filin fits into a broader Russian push towards relatively inexpensive, mass-producible long-range weapons that complement more sophisticated systems such as the Kh-101 and Kalibr cruise missiles.The Long War Journal reported that Ukraine-based analyst Rob Lee said in August that Russia planned to procure more than 1,000 Filin missiles before the end of the year. However, the publication noted that the weapon had yet to see widespread use, leaving the status of those reported procurement plans uncertain.The development comes as Ukraine faces sustained aerial attacks. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently said Russia had launched nearly 2,300 strike drones, 48 missiles and around 1,600 guided bombs in a single week, damaging infrastructure and civilian facilities across nine regions.Kyiv has repeatedly urged Western allies to accelerate deliveries of air defence interceptors. At the same time, Zelenskyy has said Ukrainian, Russian and US negotiators were expected to hold technical-level talks in Abu Dhabi in the first half of November.
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