Russia’s New Filin Missile Alarms Ukrainian Drone Specialists

Former Ukrainian drone advisers Serhii “Flash” Beskrestnov and Serhii Sternenko warn that Russia may expand its use of inexpensive cruise missiles. Ukraine’s military intelligence says the Filin is about 3.5 metres long, has a reported range of up to 1,200 kilometres, can fly at nearly 800 km/h and carry a 50–100 kg explosive payload. It reportedly combines a Russian engine with foreign electronic components and some 3D-printed parts, and flies at very low altitude. Beskrestnov says its speed and manoeuvrability could create a new challenge for Ukrainian defences.