Is this new Russian missile a disgrace? No, it's an opportunity for Moscow to strike at low cost

Despite Western sanctions, the ceasefire, and the ultimatums from Washington and Kyiv's allies, nothing seems to stop the Russians, who are still determined to strike into enemy territory with new weapons.

This time, a new Russian missile called the S8000 Banderol is rattling Ukrainian morale. This new weapon, whose features have been revealed by Ukrainian intelligence (GUR), has many advantages: it has a wingspan of 2.2 metres, a length of 5 metres, a fuselage with a diameter of 30cm, it's capable of carrying warheads of 150kg (50kg of explosives), has a range of 500km, and has already reached a speed of 650km/h, reports the media outlet L’Indépendant.

While the missile is currently launched from Orion drones, it could soon be adapted for Mi-28N helicopters.

Found on an online marketplace

Another advantage, and not a minor one? Its cost. Indeed, its engine, produced by the Chinese company Swiwin, is available online, on the e-commerce site Ali.Express for just a few thousand dollars, notes Defense Express. Its manufacturing process is so simple that it enables Moscow to circumvent international sanctions.

If the S8000 Banderol is used largely to strike the south of the country (Ukraine), it could serve to shake many other areas, provided it can be produced on a large scale.

(MH with Manon Pierre - Source: L’Indépendant - Illustration: © Unsplash)