What is Russia’s Filin missile, and why are Ukrainian experts worried?

Russia has unveiled a new low-cost cruise missile called Filin that could pose a serious threat to Ukraine's military. Weighing in at around 800 km/h, the missile is capable of traveling up to 1,200 km with a 100kg warhead. Unlike Russia's jet-powered drones, the Filin can be launched from drones, helicopters, or even ground-based launch pads. Its low-flying design makes it difficult to detect and intercept.

According to Ukrainian military intelligence, Filin's parts have been sourced from both US and Chinese manufacturers, which has helped to keep its price at a relatively affordable $150,000 per unit. This is about one-sixteenth the cost of Russia's traditional Kh-101 cruise missile, making it much easier to produce and deploy in large numbers.

Two Ukrainian drone experts, Serhii Flash Beskrestnov and Serhii Sternenko, have expressed particular concern over Filin's capabilities and potential impact on Ukraine's air defenses. They believe that the missile could be more challenging to counter than Russia's jet-powered drones, which have already proven difficult to shoot down. Sternenko even compared Filin to Russia's Shahed attack drones, calling it a "bigger problem" that will require greater attention from Ukraine's military.

While the missile's exact design and specifications remain uncertain, Ukrainian intelligence agencies have confirmed its existence and provided some details about its performance and components. As Russia continues to develop and deploy new aerial attack weapons, Ukraine faces an increasingly complex and costly threat that will require innovative and adaptable defense strategies.