Russia Develops New Low-Cost "Filin" Cruise Missile
Russia has developed a new, relatively cheap cruise missile called "Filin" that could strain Ukraine's air defences. An aviation expert warns that the possibility of mass production is of particular concern.
Russia, in its war against Ukraine, has developed a new, relatively inexpensive cruise missile called "Filin". It could become a serious threat to Ukraine's air defence, since intercepting such weapons would consume considerable resources. The information comes from the Ukrainian outlet "24 Kanal", which cites an aviation expert's assessment.
The missile's intended role
According to the outlet, the missile's main purpose would be to overload Ukraine's defence systems and force the use of expensive interceptor missiles. Aviation expert Kostyantyn Kryvolap explains that Russia is trying to create a weapon that could be built in large numbers and used in regular attacks.
Characteristics
The expert says "Filin" can reach speeds of up to 800 kilometres per hour and strike targets as far as 1,200 kilometres away. That means the missile could endanger sites well behind the front line.
In Kryvolap's view, the danger lies not only in speed. The missile has good manoeuvrability and a more powerful warhead than a drone. Because of these features, the expert believes "Filin" could be even more dangerous than the jet-powered "Shahed" drones that Russia uses in attacks on Ukraine.
The risk of mass production
The prospect of producing such missiles in large numbers is the greatest concern. If Russia managed it, Ukraine would be forced to spend substantial air defence resources on intercepting relatively cheap weapons, further straining its already limited defence stocks.
