Russia deploys 3D-printed cruise missiles with US electronics in Ukraine, can hit 500mph with a 745-mile range

Ukraine's military intelligence agency GUR has released details of the new weapon. The missile, called the 'Filin,' was first deployed around September and October of this year.

It is faster than many traditional weapons, hitting speeds of 500mph and has a range of over 700 miles. This makes it a more difficult target for air defenses.

The 'Filin' is more affordable than the traditional Kh-101 cruise missile, which costs more than $2,000,000 per launch. This cost difference is a key factor in its deployment.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has turned into a multi-year war of attrition. This has made the frontlines a costly effort for both man and machine.

Both sides are looking for more cost-efficient ways to conduct warfare. While drones have seen widespread use, they are relatively slow and are easier to shoot down.

The Geran-5, which has been known to disintegrate in flight, could only hit a maximum speed of 270 mph. The 'Filin' can reportedly hit speeds of 500 mph and has a range of 745 miles.

This increased top speed could make it that much harder for Ukrainian air defenses to deal with the threat.

Some fear that these weapons would be used by the Russian military in 'missile spam' tactics against Kyiv to overwhelm its air defenses.

While this still isn't as fast as modern fighter jets like the F-16 Fighting Falcon, the increased top speed could make it that much harder for Ukrainian air defenses to deal with the threat.