Russia’s new Filin cruise missile combines relatively low production costs with a domestically manufactured jet engine, according to military commentator and retired colonel Viktor Baranets.

The expert also accused Kiev of spreading misleading information about the weapon’s technical specifications, challenging claims recently made by Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR).

Ukrainian intelligence has alleged that the Filin relies on a Chinese-made navigation system to guide it toward targets. Baranets questioned that assertion, pointing out that Russia already operates its own satellite navigation network, GLONASS.

He also disputed Ukrainian reports claiming that the missile’s electronic systems contain 35 American-made components and another 22 parts manufactured in China.

Addressing the alleged presence of US electronics, Baranets recalled that Washington had imposed strict restrictions on supplying electronic components to Russia in 2022, with violations potentially carrying criminal penalties.

Regarding the reported Chinese components, the retired colonel argued that Chinese weapons engineers had previously acknowledged Russia’s technological lead in military production and admitted learning from their Russian counterparts.

Baranets went on to accuse Ukrainian intelligence of deliberately misrepresenting the Filin’s capabilities. He attributed what he considered false statements to jealousy over Russia’s military developments.

The analyst also claimed that the missile had been successfully striking military facilities in Ukraine since late summer 2026.

Reports about the alleged deployment of the new Russian cruise missile emerged in Ukrainian media on October 22, citing information provided by the country’s Main Intelligence Directorate.