Ukraine conflict: DIU reveals details of Russia's S-71K air-launched cruise missile

A computer-generated image, released in April 2026 from Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, of a Russian S-71K “Kover” air-launched cruise missile. (Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU))

Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU), also known as HUR (Holovne Upravlinnia Rozvidky), has released what it says are technical details of Russia's new S-71K “Kover” air-launched cruise missile. The releases include information on its subsystems and electronic components, and an interactive 3D model, DIU said on its Ukraine's War & Sanctions portal on 27 April 2026.

The S-71K is a new cruise missile developed by Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) for integration with the Sukhoi Su-57 multirole fighter aircraft, according to DIU.

The missile has a 250 kg OFAB-250-270 high-explosive fragmentation aerial bomb as its warhead, integrated directly into the nose section. Its airframe is built from multi-layer fibreglass composite materials with added reinforcement, supported by aluminium alloy internal structures. DIU also said there is no evidence of radar-absorbent coatings or other stealth materials, although the missile's shape helps reduce its radar signature.

Guidance comes via a basic inertial navigation system, with no terminal seeker, meaning the missile is intended for pre-programmed targets rather than precision strikes in the terminal phase. The subsonic missile is powered by an R500 turbojet engine from Russian company Reynolds LLC, which DIU says is linked to the UAC.

DIU said that the missile's fuel system comprises a main fuel tank and two auxiliary side tanks, enabling an estimated operational range of up to 300 km, depending on launch conditions and flight profile. It added that most of the S-71K's electronic components are sourced internationally, rather than from Russian companies.