Russia's new ‘Frankenstein' missile terrorising Ukraine
It is fast, lethal and was unrecognisable until Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) unmasked it as the S8000 'Banderol'.
Translated as 'small parcel' in English, it is a light-weight, low-cost, small cruise missile that reaches speeds of 400mph and can hit targets more than 300 miles away.
It is also, specialists have found, a Frankenstein-like creation of foreign-sourced components which flies in the face of international sanctions.
Kyiv says the precision-guided weapon, which carries a high-explosive 115kg warhead, has been used in deadly strikes on southern Ukraine, with unofficial reports saying it has been targeting Odesa and Mykolaiv since February.
Uniquely, it is launched by Russia's large Orion drones, meaning Russia does not have to risk tactical aircraft, while its considerable range allows it to strike targets well behind enemy lines. In the future, reports say it will be launched by Mi-28 attack helicopters.
Russia appears to have produced 'a formidable weapon system' that could give its forces a 'significant advantage on the battlefield', said Vijainder K Thakur, a military analyst and former Indian fighter pilot.
It also represents a significant milestone for Russia – the ability to produce a low-cost missile for mass production.
Its SW800Pro jet engine built by Chinese company Swiwin, for example, is sold through online marketplaces, including China's AliExpress and Alibaba for £12,000.
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