Russia's new Banderol cruise missile: Chinese engine, foreign parts exposed

Defense Express reported the information.

For months, Russia has used an unidentified missile to strike southern Ukraine. Initially mistaken for a drone, the weapon is now confirmed to be the S8000 Banderol cruise missile, according to a report by Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate.

The missile features a Chinese SW800Pro-A95 turbojet engine, made by Swiwin. These engines can be bought online, even on AliExpress, the report notes, suggesting Russia had no trouble sourcing them.

The missile also includes an interference-resistant Comet-M8 antenna, used in other weapons like the Shahed drones.

Crucially, the missile contains parts from several countries, including Japan (Murata battery), Australia (RF Design telemetry module), South Korea (Dynamixel servo drives), Switzerland, and the United States (Maxim Integrated amplifier).

The supplier for many of these foreign components is CHIP I DIP, a sanctioned Russian company. Although some components are under sanctions, others are commercially available and difficult to restrict.

With a top speed of 650 km/h and a warhead weighing over 114 kg, the missile is currently launched from Orion drones. Future plans include integration with Mi-28N attack helicopters.

Defense experts believe the Banderol is Russia’s attempt to cheaply mass-produce cruise missiles for continued strikes on Ukraine.