Why Ground-Launched S8000 Banderol Missile Could Be A New Tactical Threat To Ukraine

Russian forces have developed a compact ground launcher for the S8000 Banderol cruise missile, moving beyond its previous airborne carriers.

The small platform appears suited for mounting onto pickup trucks, according to Militarnyi on July 28.

Designed by Russian manufacturer Kronshtadt, the missile carries a 114.3 kg high-explosive fragmentation warhead, including 49.5 kg of explosive material based on octogen with aluminum powder and cyclotetramethylenetetranitramine plasticizer.

Driven by an 8.5 kg Chinese Swiwin turbojet engine operating at 65,000 RPM with 81.6 kgf thrust, the missile boasts a maximum speed of 620 to 650 km/h, a cruising speed of 520 to 560 km/h, and a maximum reported range of 500 km.

Before this platform surfaced, the missile had only been deployed via Orion unmanned aerial vehicles and Mi-28 attack helicopters. Deploying from the ground allows operators to launch without relying solely on air assets, which could increase operational usage, as reported by Militarnyi.

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War in Ukraine

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Starting from the ground requires significantly more energy than an airborne launch. As a result, the missile may experience a reduced operational range unless modified with a stronger engine or a lighter warhead payload.

Earlier, a Russian Tu-22M3 nuclear-capable long-range bomber crashed in Russia’s Irkutsk region during a training flight. Russia’s Defense Ministry said the crew ejected and survived, while the cause of the crash was not disclosed.

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