Moscow — The first photograph has emerged showing Russia’s new Filin cruise missile mounted on a ground-based launcher with a solid-fuel booster. The image was published by Russian military commentator Yuri Podolyaka.
Russian forces reportedly began using the missile against Ukraine in late summer 2026. Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence Directorate (GUR) has also released technical details of the weapon through its War&Sanctions portal.
The Filin is a compact, jet-powered cruise missile designed for ground launch. It uses a solid-fuel booster to accelerate after launch before switching to its R500 turbojet engine, manufactured by Russia’s Reynolds LLC.
The same engine has previously been identified in Russia’s S-71K Kover and S-71M Monokhrom air-launched cruise missiles.
Filin Cruise Missile: Specifications and Range
According to Ukraine’s military intelligence, the Filin measures approximately 3.5 metres in length, has a 3-metre wingspan, and weighs around 210 kg at launch.
Its airframe is made from composite materials, including carbon fibre and fiberglass. Some components are manufactured using 3D-printing technology. The missile features straight wings, tail surfaces, and an upper air intake for its turbojet engine.
The missile’s reported specifications include:
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Maximum speed: Up to 800 km/h
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Operational range: 600–1,200 km
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Maximum altitude: Up to 6,000 metres
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Warhead options: 50 kg or 100 kg
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Warhead types: High-explosive fragmentation, penetrating, and thermobaric
The Filin can fly at extremely low altitudes or climb to a height of 6 km. Its reported range varies with the warhead configuration. The lighter 50 kg warhead is associated with a range of up to 1,200 km, while the heavier 100 kg version has a shorter reported range of around 600–700 km.
Guidance System and Foreign Components
Ukraine’s GUR has identified a Chinese-made inertial navigation system and satellite receivers among the missile’s navigation equipment. It also uses a 16-channel Russian-made Kometa anti-jamming module, designed to help protect navigation against electronic warfare.
The missile’s onboard equipment is manufactured by PLAZ LLC, a company also involved in producing Garpiya drones. Ukrainian intelligence has reported similarities between the Filin and Garpiya systems in their layouts and markings.
An examination of the missile’s electronics identified 81 distinct components, including 35 US-made and 22 Chinese-made parts. The findings indicate that the missile relies on a mix of foreign electronics and components used across other Russian weapons systems.
The Filin combines a ground-based launch capability with a turbojet-powered cruise phase. Its reported speed, range, and warhead options place it between conventional cruise missiles and jet-powered one-way attack drones.
Main Source : militarnyi
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