Asger Risom
Ukraine has revealed new details about Russia’s S-71K missile, a lower-cost stealth-style weapon designed for mass production as Moscow adapts to wartime pressures.
A new Russian weapon is drawing attention as the war in Ukraine drives rapid changes in military technology.
The focus is on cost, scale and survivability rather than cutting-edge sophistication.
New missile revealed
Ukraine’s military intelligence agency has released fresh details about Russia’s S-71K “Kovyor” air-launched missile, according to the agency’s public briefing.
The weapon has reportedly been used in combat since late 2025 and was developed for Russia’s Su-57 stealth fighter.
Officials say it marks an early step by Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation into missile production.
Built for scale
The S-71K appears designed to be cheaper and easier to produce than traditional cruise missiles.
Its warhead is based on a Cold War-era OFAB-250-270 bomb, repurposed and integrated into a modern airframe.
The structure uses reinforced fiberglass and aluminum, with a shape intended to reduce radar visibility without relying on expensive coatings.
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Foreign components
Ukrainian intelligence says most of the missile’s electronic parts come from abroad.
Components have been traced to countries including the United States, China, Germany, Japan and Taiwan.
“Continued access to foreign technologies and components allows the aggressor state to develop new weapons and scale their use in the war against Ukraine,” the agency said.
Performance details
The missile is powered by a compact turbojet engine and uses a basic inertial navigation system.
Ukraine estimates its range at up to 186 miles, with earlier reports suggesting speeds around Mach 0.6.
Its design includes pop-out wings and a low-observable shape aimed at improving its chances of evading air defences.
Wider development
The S-71K may be paired with a more advanced variant, known as the S-71M “Monokhrom”.
That version is expected to include real-time targeting capabilities and electro-optical sensors, allowing it to strike moving targets.
Russia is also believed to be exploring use of the missile on drones such as the S-70 Okhotnik.
Strategic shift
The development reflects a broader shift toward cheaper, mass-produced weapons.
Russia is seeking alternatives to more expensive cruise missiles, which are harder to produce in large numbers during wartime.
For Ukraine, the growing use of such systems adds further strain to already stretched air defence resources.
Sources: Ukrainian Ministry of Defense (GUR)
