Ukraine has published technical details about Russia’s new S8000 ‘BanderoL’ cruise missile.
The weapon is made with a model aircraft engine available from online marketplaces such as AliExpress for approximately $16,000, according to the Ukrainian Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR).
Newsweek has contacted the Russian government for comment by email.
Russian soldiers taking part in combat training exercises in Ukraine on Monday. Russian soldiers taking part in combat training exercises in Ukraine on Monday. Russian Defense Ministry Press Service/AP
Why It Matters
Russia has been deploying the low-cost missile for nearly a month to strike targets across Ukraine, according to Ukrainian outlet Defense Express.
The publication suggests that Moscow is attempting to mass produce a budget missile for widespread, rapid deployment in indiscriminate attacks.
What To Know
According to the GUR, the missile was developed by the sanctioned Russian defense contractor Kronstadt. The U.S. Treasury Department says the company supports Russia’s defense ministry by developing and manufacturing equipment, software, and integrated solutions for its unmanned aviation and defense industries.
Kyiv’s intelligence said a unique feature of the S8000 weapon is its ability to perform sharper turns than conventional Russian cruise missiles — such as the Kh-101, 3M-14, 9M727, and Kh-69 — while still maintaining a traditional cruise missile flight path.
It said the S8000 is powered by jet fuel, carries a warhead weighing up to 330 lbs and has a range of approximately 310 miles.
The cruise missile is made up of parts from China, the U.S., Japan, Australia, South Korea, the GUR said.
It added that it had identified nearly 20 microchips from American, Chinese, Swiss, Japanese, and South Korean manufacturers in its electronics.
This includes China’s Swiwin SW800Pro jet engine, “a model aircraft engine available via online marketplaces (approx. $16,000 on AliExpress),” the GUR said.
What People Are Saying
The GUR said in a statement: “Most of the foreign electronics used in the S8000 are supplied through Chip & Dip, one of Russia’s largest electronics distributors.
“Over 20 key components of the S8000 missile and around 30 companies involved in its production or supply chain have been identified.”
What Happens Next
Russia is likely to continue its strikes against Ukraine after it refused to accept a 30-day unconditional ceasefire proposed by Ukraine and its European allies.
The office of Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky said on May 10 that “a full and unconditional ceasefire must begin on Monday, May 12, for at least 30 days.”
It added: “Under such a ceasefire, we will be able to jointly agree on the foundations for peace.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin has yet to respond to an invitation from Zelensky to attend peace talks in Turkey on Thursday.
Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak said on Tuesday that Zelensky would not speak to anyone besides Putin.
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