Russian media and military analysis groups were perplexed by the weapon’s presence deep inside Russian territory, noting its range and survivability against jamming compared to Ukraine’s FP-1 drones that, while still capable, have achieved impact rates below 50%. The weapon featured robust anti-jamming equipment and identifying codes that linked their construction to NATO partners in Europe and the United States.
Rusty Dagger has a 300 nautical mile (555 km) range in low-altitude strikes, and a 500 nautical mile (926 km) range in medium-altitude strikes, giving the missile long reach against targets inside Russia. “[Attacks] are less about occupied Ukraine or Russia, more that the mission planning was design around unrestricted targeting, […] all to allow deep strike well outside of occupied Ukraine.”