ALERT: Russia Arms Orion Drone with New S8000 Banderol Cruise Missile for Strikes in Ukraine.

According to a video published on May 12, 2025, on Telegram, it appears that Russia has integrated the new S8000 Banderol cruise missile onto its Orion MALE (Medium Altitude Long Endurance) UAV, marking a significant enhancement in its drone strike capabilities. In addition to the appearance of the missile on the drone, Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Directorate (GUR) has released a detailed technical analysis of the S8000 Banderol, shedding light on its specifications, components, and strategic implications. This new development underscores Russia's focus on extending the operational reach and lethality of its unmanned aerial systems.
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Russian Orion MALE UAV seen armed with the newly integrated S8000 Banderol cruise missile, as revealed in a video published on Telegram on May 12, 2025. (Picture source: Telegram)

The Orion UAV, also known by its export designation “Inokhodets,” is one of Russia’s most capable indigenous drones developed by Kronstadt JSC. Comparable to the U.S. MQ-1 Predator, the Orion is designed for ISR (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance) and strike missions. It features a wingspan of approximately 16 m, a maximum takeoff weight near 1,000 kg, and can carry up to 200 kg of payload, including precision-guided munitions. With an endurance of up to 24 hours and a service ceiling of around 7,500 m, the Orion is a key platform in Russia’s UAV fleet. The integration of the Banderol cruise missile now positions it as a long-range strike platform capable of engaging high-value targets deep within enemy-held territory.

The S8000 Banderol is a compact, jet-powered cruise missile developed specifically for unmanned and rotary-wing launch platforms. According to the GUR analysis, it is equipped with an SW800Pro-A95 turbojet engine, sourced from China’s Swiwin company. This engine, typically used in large model aircraft, is commercially available on platforms like AliExpress, highlighting how Russia is exploiting civilian markets to bypass military technology restrictions.

Technically, the Banderol measures about 5 m in length, with a wingspan of 2.2 m and a diameter of 30 cm. It is armed with an OFBCH-150 warhead weighing 114.3 kg, including 49.5 kg of explosive material, designed for use against hardened and strategic targets. The missile reaches a top speed of 650 km/h and cruises at 560 km/h, with a maximum range of 500 km. Its aerodynamic profile and pop-out wings enable low-altitude, terrain-following flight, enhancing its ability to evade air defense systems.

A critical aspect of the Banderol’s design is its advanced navigation system. The missile is fitted with a Kometa-M8 CRPA (Controlled Reception Pattern Antenna), developed by JSC VNIIR-Progress, which provides high resistance to GPS jamming and spoofing. This system is already in operational use on other Russian precision-guided weapons, such as the Shahed-136/131 drones and UMPK glide bomb kits. This suggests a consistent approach within Russian weapons development toward creating resilient systems for use in environments saturated with electronic warfare.

The integration of the S8000 Banderol with the Orion UAV is a clear indication of Russia’s shifting doctrine towards unmanned precision strike capabilities. The combination of a long-range drone and an agile cruise missile enables strategic attacks beyond the reach of most frontline air defenses while minimizing risk to human operators. It also offers a scalable and relatively cost-effective means to project power in contested regions.

Looking ahead, there are indications that the Banderol may also be adapted for deployment from other platforms, including the Mi-28N attack helicopter, further expanding its utility across different branches of the Russian Armed Forces. The modular nature of the missile system enhances Russia’s flexibility in applying this technology across multiple mission sets and operational environments.

In conclusion, the emergence of the S8000 Banderol cruise missile aboard the Orion UAV, as seen in the Telegram video and detailed in the Ukrainian intelligence analysis, reflects a notable evolution in Russian aerial warfare capabilities. It represents a fusion of commercially sourced components with domestic innovation, signaling a new phase in Russia’s use of unmanned systems for precision long-range strikes. Army Recognition will continue to monitor these developments and their impact on the evolving dynamics of modern conflict.