New Russian "Filin" missile: what makes it dangerous and how it could replace Shaheds

Now these new missile-drones will be able to reach further into the country's rear regions, as the declared flight range of "Filin" is 1200 kilometers, while current jet Shaheds in various modifications fly significantly less distance.

According to GUR, the missile was developed by OJSC "NPO "Molniya", which is part of the "Tactical Missiles Corporation". Intelligence notes that "Filin" is a continuation of the Russian military-industrial complex's trend towards creating relatively inexpensive air attack assets with jet propulsion and ground launch.

According to the agency's information, the missile has a composite fuselage made of carbon and fiberglass, 3.5 meters long and with a wingspan of 3 meters. Some elements are produced using 3D printing.

The declared maximum speed of "Filin" is up to 800 km/h, flight range is up to 1200 km. The missile can operate at both the lowest altitudes and up to 6 km. There are modifications with a warhead mass of 50 and 100 kg. Externally, it somewhat resembles the "Geran-5" of the latest generation with a jet engine, but flies significantly slower.

The missile is launched from a ground installation using a solid-propellant booster. GUR also found out that the onboard equipment for "Filin" is produced by the Russian company LLC "PLAZ", which participates in the production of "Harpy" drones. According to intelligence, the blocks of both products have similar layouts and markings.

Missile guidance to the target is provided by a Chinese-made inertial navigation system and a 16-channel "Kometa" system. At the same time, analysis of the component base showed an increase in the share of Chinese components compared to other Russian missiles and drones.

As noted by GUR, the "Filin" engine is Russian. It is the R500 manufactured by LLC "Reynolds". A similar engine was previously identified in the S-71K "Kover" and S-71M "Monochrome" air-launched cruise missiles.

New threat instead of Shaheds

Earlier, Ukrainian Defense Minister Yevhen Khmara stated that the Ministry of Defense is working to provide interceptor drones, aviation and ammunition for it, anti-aircraft missile and artillery systems, turrets, electronic warfare equipment, and other solutions for Ukraine's air defense.

"We also know what solutions Russia is developing, this concerns jet drones with a speed of 800 km/h. We are also working on finding countermeasures to the next generation of threats. Corresponding tasks – to submit proposals and prototypes – have been set for manufacturers, the defense industry complex," said Khmara.

According to BBC sources in the Ministry of Defense, he was referring specifically to "Filin". Missiles, drone-missiles, or loitering munitions that increase their speed to 800-900 km/h become even more difficult targets for interceptors than conventional Shaheds and the first generations of jet Shaheds.

Yevhen Khmara also told journalists that Ukraine already has successful results in using interceptor drones against jet UAVs.

"One of the units, during combat use, destroyed five air targets with five interceptors ("Bars"). That is, 100% effectiveness," the minister said.

According to him, one of the most effective means of combating jet UAVs remains aviation.

Earlier, the BBC wrote that the era of conventional interceptor drones against Shaheds and the first generations of jet Shaheds is becoming a thing of the past, and with the appearance of new modifications of drone-missiles with speeds of 800-900 km/h, new means of shooting them down are needed. This will require high-speed interceptors with jet engines, which Ukraine lacks.

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