XPost: alt.defense, alt.fan.rush-limbaugh
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/05/13/russias-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 lightweight,
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.
. . .
Apparently they've been getting around sanctions
via 3rd/4th party purchasing. The missile is loaded
with non-Russian parts, including some from USA
and UK. It's "brain" seems to be a Swiss-made
microcontroller.
Two especial things here - first, it seems to be
quite CHEAP to make ... the most expensive part
is the China-made mini jet engine and that's
only about $15,000. The second trick is that it
is made to be launched from another, larger,
drone ... though there are other options. This
means Russia doesn't have to risk expensive
fighter or bomber aircraft.
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