1,200km reach: How Russia’s new missile adds to Ukraine’s air defence woes

Russia has begun using a new cruise missile, the Filin, against Ukraine, adding to Moscow’s growing arsenal of relatively inexpensive long-range weapons designed to stretch Kyiv’s air defences. The missile combines a Russian-made jet engine with electronic components linked to American and Chinese manufacturers, according to Ukraine’s military intelligence agency, HUR, as reported by Kyiv Post.The weapon reportedly entered combat use in late summer 2026. Its emergence highlights Russia’s efforts to develop cheaper strike systems capable of reaching targets deep inside Ukrainian territory, potentially complicating Kyiv’s efforts to intercept repeated waves of drones and missiles.On October 22, HUR released an interactive 3D model, technical specifications and a component database on its War&Sanctions portal. According to Militarnyi, the agency’s findings indicate that the Filin combines standardised electronics and some 3D-printed components with a Russian propulsion system. Its advertised performance, however, has not been independently verified.