Russia develops Filin cruise missile using 3D printing

Russia is developing the Filin, a new cruise missile that utilizes 3D-printed components to reduce production costs. According to reports from Ukrainian military intelligence (GUR) and military experts, the missile is approximately 3.35 to 3.5 meters long with a wingspan of about 3 meters.

The Filin is designed to carry warheads weighing between 50 and 100 kilograms, with options including high-explosive, penetrator, and thermobaric types. It can reach speeds of nearly 800 km/h and has an estimated range of up to 1,200 km. The missile uses a Russian-made R500 turbojet engine and composite materials to reduce its radar visibility.

Technical assessments suggest the missile employs a combination of inertial navigation and the Kometa satellite navigation module to resist electronic warfare. In its final flight phase, it reportedly uses a machine-vision system to scan terrain against pre-loaded digital maps. The missile can be launched from ground platforms using a solid-fuel booster, or from helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles. Experts note that the Filin's speed and maneuverability could make it a more significant threat than Shahed drones.