Banderol Missile:
Russia’s new low-cost S8000 Banderol cruise missile is quietly changing the air war over Ukraine’s Black Sea coast.
- The S8000 Banderol, which translates to “package” or “small parcel,” is a cruise missile developed by Russia.
- It is primarily an air-launched munition, with the Orion unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) serving as its primary launch platform.
- The missile is also integrated for use with the Mi-28 Havoc helicopter.
- However, reports indicate that Russian has developed a compact ground launcher for the S8000 Banderol, moving beyond its previous airborne carriers.
- The missile’s design prioritizes low production costs and simplified manufacturing, incorporating imported foreign components for key systems.
- Powered by a small, commercially available Chinese turbojet engine, it can travel up to 500 km.
- Its maximum speed is 620–650 km/h, and its cruising speed is 520–560 km/h.
- It carries a relatively small high-explosive fragmentation warhead that includes about 50 kilograms of explosives.
- The missile navigates using inertial and satellite guidance.
