Russia's S8000 missile exposes flaws in Western sanctions
For several weeks, Russia has been deploying the new S8000 Banderol cruise missile in its attacks on Ukraine. This has sparked controversy because it is constructed with components from the West, indicating that sanctions are not fully effective.
What do you need to know?
- Banderol is a new Russian cruise missile that has been used in attacks on Ukraine for several weeks.
- Technology: The missile reaches high speeds, posing a threat to Ukrainian air defence.
- Components: The missile incorporates foreign electronic elements, including those from Japan, South Korea, and the USA, acquired by Russia through smuggling.
According to Defence24, the S8000 Banderol (Russian for package) is a new Russian cruise missile that has been used for several weeks to attack targets on Ukrainian soil. Its official unveiling took place on 26th April in the presence of Dmitry Medvedev at a special ceremony at the Kapustin Yar proving ground. The missile's cruising speed exceeds 500 km/h, with a maximum speed reaching 670 km/h, making it difficult to intercept with anti-aircraft systems. The missile's range is about 500 km, allowing it to strike targets over long distances.
The missile is powered by a Chinese turbojet engine. It is approximately 5 metres long, and its wingspan exceeds 2 metres. Banderol carries a warhead weighing 115 kg, with 50 kg being explosive material.
New Russian missile. Built with Western components
At a Ukrainian military intelligence conference, it was revealed that the Banderol missile contains foreign electronic components. The power supply batteries are from the Japanese company Murata, the servomotor from South Korea, and the clock oscillator from the USA. The missile contains over 23 components from various countries, including the USA, Switzerland, Japan, China, and Australia.
Russia acquires these elements through smuggling by using companies registered abroad that purchase them and send them to Russia. This demonstrates how Russia circumvents sanctions and acquires the necessary technology.
Are sanctions against Russia ineffective?
The new Banderol missile is stirring much controversy. Some commentators highlight that despite the lack of a developed electronics industry, Russia has managed to create a technologically advanced product. Others point to the issue of obtaining components from the West, indicating that sanctions are not completely effective.
Banderol is viewed as a threat to Ukrainian air defence because its speed and range can effectively overwhelm defence systems. Ukrainian news channels report that the missile is difficult to shoot down, posing a significant challenge for the country's defence.
Source: Defence24
