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Russia Unleashes New Jet-Powered “Banderol” Drone in Strikes on Ukraine
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![Ivan_khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
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Russia has begun using a new type of drone, known as “Banderol,” for attacks against Ukraine, according to Defense Express report on April 26, citing communications and electronic warfare specialist Serhii “Flesh” Beskrestnov.
The Banderol drone has been actively employed in strikes on Odesa region in recent weeks. It is equipped with a jet engine and can reach speeds of approximately 400 to 500 kilometers per hour. Other technical specifications, such as range or payload type, remain unknown at this time.
Beskrestnov noted that while the name “Banderol” had been circulating for some time, recent operations mark the first consistent use of the drone. It is not yet clear whether it poses the same level of threat as Russia’s well-known guided bombs (KABs).
According to Defense Express, open sources provide limited information about the Banderol drone. The “War and Sanctions” portal operated by Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence (HUR) indicates that two Russian companies—Kronshtadt JSC and KT Unmanned Systems JSC—may be involved in its development.
In February, Kronshtadt JSC announced a successful test flight of a new unmanned aerial vehicle but did not disclose the drone’s name. It remains unclear whether that flight was connected to the Banderol, Defense Express notes.
The introduction of the Banderol could be part of Russia’s broader strategy of employing various types of drones for attacks across Ukraine, including drones equipped with explosive warheads and decoys designed to exhaust Ukrainian air defenses.
The drone’s use of a jet engine mirrors earlier Russian attempts to introduce faster drones, such as a jet-powered model reportedly deployed in Ukraine last year, which featured components suspected to be of Chinese origin, Defense Express reports.
Earlier, Russia opened a new production site for Shahed-type drones in Izhevsk, repurposing the Kupol Electromechanical Plant, formerly used for nuclear equipment manufacturing. The facility now assembles modified drones designated as “Garpia-A1,” contributing to a sharp increase in drone attacks against Ukraine.
