Russia’s New Type of 3D-Printed Missile Could Make Shaheds Look Like a Small Problem, Ukraine Drone Gurus Warn
Experts warn of a shift
Two prominent Ukrainian drone experts said Russia’s next major air-war investment may be a growing arsenal of cruise missiles, rather than jet-powered Shaheds. Both previously advised Ukraine’s defense ministry.
Sternenko, who leads a foundation that raises money for Ukraine’s military, warned that large-scale use of this type of weapon could arrive soon. Drone analyst Beskrestnov said he had long expected Russia to favor affordable cruise missiles over jet Shaheds.
How the Filin is described
Ukraine’s military intelligence agency, GUR, released details about the Filin on Wednesday. It said Russia had started deploying the missile at the end of summer 2026 and described it as part of a push to develop inexpensive, ground-launched air-attack weapons with jet propulsion.
GUR said the Filin can fly at ultra-low altitudes and reach heights of up to 3.7 miles. Its flight controller, inertial navigation system, equipment control unit and counter-jamming hardware contain foreign electronics, according to the agency.
Launch options and engine
Beskrestnov said the missiles do not require drone ports, and many can be launched from helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles. He also said they can be made using Russian components.
GUR said the Filin has a Russian-made engine, unlike the Chinese engines used on many of Moscow’s turbojet drones. The same engine has also appeared in recently unveiled Russian missiles, including the air-launched Kover and Monochrome.
Other missile details
The article also describes the Banderol as slower and shorter-ranged than the Filin, while giving it a top speed of 435 miles per hour. That speed could make it harder for Ukraine to intercept with drones.
The Banderol is estimated to cost $150,000 per unit, about one-sixteenth the price of a traditional Kh-101 cruise missile. Sternenko asked what Ukraine’s Air Force command was doing to prepare countermeasures.
Key points
- Two Ukrainian drone experts expect Russia to focus more on cheap cruise missiles than jet Shaheds.
- GUR says Russia began deploying the Filin at the end of summer 2026.
- The Filin has a Russian-made engine and foreign electronics, according to GUR.
- The Banderol is estimated to cost $150,000, about one-sixteenth the price of a Kh-101.