Russia launches serial production of Banderol cruise missiles used in attacks on Ukraine

Russia puts Banderol cruise missile into serial production

At the same time, experts say the missile's design is still evolving; a representative of Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) said during a briefing showcasing captured Russian weapons.

"Banderol has already completed the testing phase and entered serial production," the HUR expert said.

According to the disclosed specifications, the missile:

• Carries a warhead weighing about 150 kilograms;
• Reaches a speed of 550–600 km/h;
• Has a range of up to 350–400 kilometres.

The Orion medium-altitude unmanned aerial vehicle was initially used as the missile's launch platform.

However, it is now being launched from:

• Ground-based launchers deployed in temporarily occupied Crimea;
• Mi-28 attack helicopters.

What Banderol targets

Russia is increasingly using the Banderol missile in strikes against southern Ukraine.

The missile is designed to hit stationary targets with pre-programmed coordinates, including:

• Port infrastructure;
• Logistics hubs;
• Cargo terminals;
• Food storage facilities.

It is not used to engage moving targets or ships.

According to the HUR representative, Russia has significantly increased its use of the missile in recent weeks.

"This poses a challenge for us because FPV interceptor drones are ineffective against this missile," he added.

Experts also noted that during inspections of the aftermath of Russian strikes on Odesa, a significant share of the newly identified weapons used in the attacks turned out to be Banderol cruise missiles.

Foreign components in the Banderol missile

The Banderol cruise missile contains a significant number of foreign-made electronic components.

These include parts manufactured in:

• The United States;
• Switzerland;
• Japan;
• China;
• South Korea.

Ukrainian specialists primarily examine missiles that have been shot down or failed to detonate. Information on the identified components, including their serial numbers, is shared with international partners, helping strengthen export controls and sanctions enforcement.

S8000 Banderol

The missile is powered by a Chinese-made turbojet engine produced by Swiwin. The engine weighs 8.5 kg and generates up to 81.6 kgf of thrust at a maximum speed of 65,000 rpm.

With these specifications, the missile has a claimed range of up to 500 km.

The Banderol is equipped with an OFBCh-150 high-explosive fragmentation warhead weighing 114.3 kg, including 49.5 kg of explosive material.

As previously reported, on July 28 Russia attacked the Mykolaiv region with Shahed drones, Banderol cruise missiles and guided aerial bombs (KABs), leaving four people injured and causing damage.

Russia has also increasingly relied on jet-powered drones, hybrid loitering munitions and compact Banderol cruise missiles in strikes against Ukraine, according to Yurii Ihnat, head of communications for the Ukrainian Air Force.