A "Banderolet" Attacked Kyiv: What Is Known About the New Russian Drone-Missile
During their attack on Kyiv, Russian forces deployed a new loitering munition called "Banderole." According to the Main Intelligence Directorate, it was developed by the Kronstadt company, and its primary delivery platform is the Orion drone. The occupiers are also adapting the weapon for launch from Mi-28N attack helicopters.
"Banderole" is capable of striking targets at a range of up to 500 km, reaching speeds of about 500 km/h. The warhead weighs up to 150 kg. A distinctive feature of the munition is its high maneuverability and the ability to make turns with a smaller radius than most Russian cruise missiles.
A number of foreign components were found in the drone missile, including a Chinese jet engine, Japanese batteries, South Korean servo drives, and microelectronics manufactured in the West and Asia.
Aviation expert Kostyantyn Kryvolap notes that the main advantage of the “Banderole” over the “Shahed” is its significantly higher speed, which can make it more difficult for air defense systems to intercept.
At the same time, he says, the new munition is unlikely to see widespread use. The “Banderole” costs about three times as much as the “Shahed,” and Russia’s current tactics rely on deploying large numbers of cheap attack drones. Furthermore, due to its large size, the target is easier to detect and destroy using air defense systems.
Source: RBC-Ukraine.
As a reminder, Russia attacked the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, causing a fire.
Prior to that, Russian KABs struck the Zaporizhzhia region, resulting in injuries.
As a result of the Russian attack on Kharkiv, State Emergency Service rescuers were killed.
