Russian S-71M, S-71K and Dan-T drones have reached a level of performance that brings them close to cruise missiles. According to Rostec, the aircraft combine the range, precision and maneuverability needed to carry out similar missions.

The corporation noted that a cruise missile is essentially a fixed-wing unmanned aircraft, although not every UAV of this type can be classified as a missile. The S-71M, S-71K and Dan-T, however, are increasingly approaching cruise missiles in terms of their capabilities.

Cost is another major difference. Rostec said the new systems are significantly cheaper than conventional cruise missiles and expects the distinction between the two categories to become even less pronounced as such technology develops.

The Dan-T has also been designed to adjust its flight path to the terrain. According to Krasnaya Zvezda, citing Rostec data, the drone can travel at low altitude while taking natural and man-made obstacles into account. As it approaches the target, it can climb before striking from above.

The developer says most of the deployed aircraft reach their assigned targets.

The Dan-T has an operational range measured in hundreds of kilometers. This allows carrier aircraft and helicopters to launch it without entering the engagement zone of enemy ground-based air defense systems.

The S-71M and S-71K offer a comparable flight range. All three drones also feature specialized flight modes intended to help them penetrate air defenses.