The difficulty of intercepting small Russian "package" missiles

According to a report by Reference News Network on September 24, the Russian newspaper "Vedomosti" reported on September 19 that Western media this week covered several new Russian weapon systems, claiming that "Russia has taken the lead over its opponents," with the most attention focused on a cruise missile named "Parcel." What kind of weapon is this? Why is it said to be an ideal weapon for "infrastructure warfare"?

The American "Wall Street Journal" acknowledged that Russia is ahead of Western countries in the production of next-generation combat equipment. The newspaper specifically introduced the operational advantages of the Russian small cruise missile "Parcel."

The Polish weekly "Politico" also affirmed the "Parcel," stating that this weapon blurs the line between traditional cruise missiles and drones.

According to reports, the "Parcel" missile indeed became one of the focal points on the battlefield during the special military operation this past summer. Ukrainian experts believe that the impact of the "Parcel" is comparable to that of the "Geranium" drone after its deployment in 2022. The similarity between the two lies in their low cost, potential for mass use, and the enemy's lack of effective means to counter such new lethal weapons.

Reports state that the "Parcel" missile is equipped with a jet engine, capable of reaching speeds of up to 500 kilometers per hour, with a maximum range of 500 kilometers and a warhead weight of up to 150 kilograms.

Platforms capable of carrying this small missile include the "Orion" drone, as well as attack helicopters and multi-purpose helicopters of the Russian Army Aviation. Most of the Russian Aerospace Forces' fighter jets and fighter-bombers are also likely capable of launching this type of missile. There are also reports that it can be launched from ground platforms. This multi-platform adaptability allows the weapon to be deployed in large-scale combat, and this scenario is already unfolding on the battlefield.

One major feature of the "Parcel" missile is the extensive integration of civilian and commercial components during its development. This design approach can accelerate the production speed of new equipment while lowering production costs.

The "Parcel" missile uses an anti-jamming satellite navigation system; once the enemy suppresses satellite signals, the missile will automatically switch to inertial navigation mode. After the satellite signal is lost, data collected by onboard gyroscopes, accelerometers, and altimeters will be transmitted to the onboard computer to continue guiding the missile along its predetermined flight path.

Reports indicate that the first batch of "Parcel" missiles was already used in special military operations last spring, but it achieved its maximum combat effectiveness during the blockade operations against Ukrainian ports this summer.

According to Ukrainian sources, during the three months of summer, 80% of the strikes against port facilities and logistics hubs in Odesa Oblast were carried out by this type of missile. The British "Daily Telegraph" also pointed out that the "Parcel" missile played a decisive role in the blockade of Ukrainian ports.

Ukrainian officials also admit that it is currently almost impossible to intercept the "Parcel" missile. Most of the air defense systems that can intercept ordinary drones are essentially helpless against the "Parcel" missile. The "Parcel" flies at high speed, and mobile air defense fire teams, self-propelled anti-aircraft guns, intercepting drones, and helicopters simply do not have enough reaction time to respond to this small missile.

In addition, for the Ukrainian military, detecting the "Parcel" missile itself is a significant challenge. This missile mostly flies at low or very low altitudes, and coupled with its small size and unique structural design, it reduces radar reflection characteristics. Air defense radars can only intermittently capture it under the best conditions, and only when the missile briefly raises its altitude to cross obstacles.

Reports point out that it should be noted that the "Parcel" missile cannot be classified as a super weapon; its technical parameters do not involve any "black technology." However, considering its combat performance, structure, and production characteristics, the "Parcel" missile is becoming an important factor that profoundly changes the battlefield situation of special military operations.

The cost of the "Parcel" is far lower than that of traditional cruise missiles, yet it can fully undertake the combat tasks of cruise missiles. Its low cost and simple structure also make it closer to long-range drones, and it is these characteristics that ensure it can be mass-produced.

Overall, the current global trend is shifting from complex and expensive equipment to simple, low-cost weapons that can be produced in large quantities, and the emergence of the "Parcel" missile is leading this trend. (Translation by Zhao Zhipeng)