Russia has unveiled its newest so-called “unstoppable” military innovation: a high-speed strike drone modified by the group Arkhangel Spetsnaza, reportedly capable of reaching 280 km/h—more than three times the speed of most drones.
State-aligned Russian media lauded the drone as virtually impossible to shoot down, echoing language used to describe earlier weapons like the Kinzhal and Zircon missiles.
“At such a speed, it is physically impossible to shoot it down with small arms,” claimed Mikhail Filippov, head of Arkhangel, in Russian media reports.
Yet, even pro-Russian sources have contradicted this narrative.
On Arkhangel’s own Telegram channel, the group admitted the drone typically flies at a much lower speed of 120–140 km/h to preserve range, which drops significantly at top speed.
According to Defense Express, the drone’s maximum range is just 50 km, and its performance does not match the sweeping claims promoted by Kremlin media.
Another “Invincible” Weapon on a Growing List
This isn’t the first time Russia has boasted about “unstoppable” weapons.
The Kinzhal hypersonic missile—promoted as immune to interception—has been repeatedly downed by Ukrainian air defenses.
“All Kinzhal missiles launched towards the capital of Ukraine since the announcement that the Patriot air defense missile system became operational have been successfully intercepted,” said Colonel Serhii Yaremenko, commander of Ukraine’s 96th Anti-Aircraft Missile Brigade, in an interview with Ukrinform.
In May 2023, Ukraine intercepted six Kinzhal missiles in one night using the Patriot missile system, debunking Russian military claims of the weapon’s invulnerability.
Similarly, the Zircon cruise missile, once described as one of Russia’s most advanced and secretive weapons, was also intercepted by Ukrainian forces.
In March 2024, Ukraine successfully shot down two Zircon missiles launched at Kyiv, further undercutting Moscow’s narrative.
The Arkhangel group, which modified the new drone, is known not only for battlefield innovation but also for broadcasting footage of Russian atrocities in Ukraine. It profits from the war through graphic propaganda, branding itself as an elite Spetsnaza unit.
