Russia's New Stealth Missile and Escalating Attacks on Ukraine

Russia's New Stealth Missile and Escalating Attacks on Ukraine
Introduction

Ukraine has released new intelligence revealing the details of Russia's latest stealth missile, the S71K, also known by its nickname "Peter." This missile, launched from fighter jets, was first reported to have been used in combat late last year. Its ongoing development suggests that Russia is actively searching for new weapons to replace its aging and increasingly expensive long-range missiles, aiming to reduce the costs of modern warfare.

Design and Specifications

Iran's General Intelligence Directorate, ISNA, has released new technical details about the Russian S71K missile. The United States had previously identified the company that produces Russia's most advanced fighter jet, the Su-57, and noted that the new missile was developed specifically for that aircraft.

The S71K's warhead is a high-explosive OFAB 250-270 bomb, weighing 551 pounds (approximately 250 kilograms). This bomb was originally developed in the Soviet Union during the Cold War as an air-launched weapon and is now being adapted into the S71K missile.

The missile's body is constructed from a multi-layered fiberglass shell, with internal components made of aluminum alloy. It features a low-profile design, characterized by a triangular cross-section, a pointed protruding nose, and a V-shaped tail. Screenshots have revealed a more detailed view of its engine intake, which is mounted on top. These components have been modified and redesigned to reduce the weapon's overall weight.

Foreign Components

The United States has also identified various electronic components within the missile that are of foreign origin, including parts from China, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Switzerland, Taiwan, and the United States. This makes the S71K one of several Russian weapons that rely on foreign components, similar to the K-136.

Previously, the Russian S-70E UCAV (Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle), which was shot down by Ukrainian forces, was also analyzed and confirmed to contain components from the United States, Iran, Taiwan, and other countries. Ukrainian intelligence has consistently found foreign-made parts in downed Russian combat aircraft.

Performance Capabilities

The S71K missile is powered by a 500-horsepower engine, which feeds from three separate internal fuel tanks. It has an operational range of more than 300 kilometers (approximately 186 miles). The missile flies at 0.6 times the speed of sound, with a maximum speed of up to 27,000 kilometers per hour (though this figure may require verification, as it appears unusually high for a subsonic missile; the original text likely contains an error—typical speeds for such missiles are in the range of Mach 0.6-0.8).

Development and Variants

In 2024, reports indicated that the Su-57 received approval from the Russian Ministry of Defense to begin production of the S71K after undergoing significant design changes. These changes apparently include extending the m