A Russian cruise missile that doesn’t match its name fell almost intact in Odesa Oblast

A small Russian cruise missile, whose type remains unconfirmed, crashed almost intact in Odesa Oblast on October 27, according to Militarnyi. The missile's box-shaped airframe differs significantly from the Geran-5 variant, which has been given that name by a presidential adviser. Militarnyi explains Russia's development of the Geran-5 series as iterative, with features from one version appearing in the next.

A version reported late September can adjust its flight path using ground imagery rather than satellite signals, a capability that Ukraine is reportedly jamming, according to the Polkovnyk GSh monitoring channel. Official Ukrainian sources have not confirmed this system. The missile found in Odesa Oblast exhibits characteristics that suggest it was designed to evade radar detection.

Militarnyi describes a compact cruise missile with a flat-sided fuselage, rounded edges, and a swept wing, which may aid in radar concealment. The missile features a small turbojet engine exhaust through a V-shaped tail and draws air through intakes on both sides. Dark composite skin is noted as another measure against radar detection.

Serhii "Flash" Beskrestnov, the president's adviser on defense technology, shared the first photos of the missile on October 22, claiming it can navigate optically and boasts improved range, speed, and flight altitude. However, Militarnyi asserts that the missile's appearance is markedly different from the previously known Geran-5 K5-K variant.

Militarnyi reports that Russia has begun utilizing two new small cruise missiles, likely modifications of the Geran-5 series. The specifics of the missile's navigation, range, and speed will be determined once experts have a chance to examine the airframe. Its design, according to Beskrestnov, appears to be tailored to evade Ukraine's radar systems.