Russia shows new mysterious cruise missile similar to US-made AGM-158 JASSM at key military test site.

As reported by Military Informant on April 26, 2025, a new, previously unknown Russian cruise missile was shown to Dmitry Medvedev at the Kapustin Yar test site in the Astrakhan region. The Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of Russia confirmed his visit on social media, mentioning that new types of munitions, including airborne weapons, were presented during the event. Although the missile, unofficially nicknamed 'Banderol', appeared briefly in official videos, no technical specifications have been disclosed. 
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The front section of this new Russian cruise missile, featuring a "pencil-like" form, has led some analysts to compare it visually to the American AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM). (Picture source: Telegram/Military Informant)

Available images suggest that the missile is of significant size, but a full assessment is difficult due to the limited angles of photography. The missile is described as low-observable, designed to minimize radar detection, with a shape reminiscent of the Kh-101 air-launched cruise missile. However, its front section, featuring a "pencil-like" form, has led some analysts to compare it visually to the American AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM).

Russian media have circulated photos of the missile, referring to it unofficially as Banderol (Parcel). Ukrainian Telegram channels such as Polkovnik GS, claim that this missile could be the same Banderol weapon allegedly used in attacks on Odessa and Mykolaiv since February 2025. According to their assertions, the Banderol is designed to be carried by large unmanned aerial vehicles like the Orion drone, with an estimated speed between 450 and 500 kilometers per hour and a warhead weighing between 120 and 140 kilograms. Nevertheless, no direct evidence has been presented to confirm that the missile seen at Kapustin Yar and the munition allegedly used over southern Ukraine are the same. Some Ukrainian sources further speculate that the missile may function either as a missile-drone or a jet-powered loitering munition, but the Russian side has made no official statements to corroborate these theories.

The new missile differs notably from previously known Russian cruise missiles such as the Kalibr and Onyx and may incorporate features typical of jet drones, including a compact fuselage and potentially a small turbojet engine. Experts have pointed out that the new missile, although superficially resembling the Kh-101, could also possess operational characteristics more akin to unmanned or semi-autonomous systems. Comparisons to the Kh-101 are inevitable: the Kh-101, a subsonic, air-launched cruise missile in service with the Russian Aerospace Forces, is approximately 7.45 meters long, has a range of about 3,500 kilometers, and uses a TRDD-50A turbojet engine to cruise at speeds between Mach 0.57 and Mach 0.79.

Reports suggest that the context surrounding the missile’s unveiling is tied to an increased Russian emphasis on precision-guided munitions production. Reuters indicated that Russia has intensified the manufacturing of drones and cruise missiles following notable battlefield developments, including the confirmed involvement of North Korea in supplying munitions during operations in the Kursk region. This surge in production is seen as part of a broader Russian strategy to demonstrate military readiness amid ongoing international diplomatic efforts, notably parallel to peace plan discussions held between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Rome.

While Ukrainian analysts link the mysterious missile to attacks in Odessa, pointing to unusual sounds and patterns during recent strikes, neither the Ukrainian Defense Ministry nor Western experts have formally confirmed the operational deployment of the Banderol. Some Western defense analysts suggest that the missile might be a prototype intended for use against highly protected targets rather than widespread deployment. The situation is further complicated by the fact that Russia also operates a drone, either a FPV or jet-powered, depending on the source, reportedly bearing the same codename Banderol, which adds confusion about whether observers are describing a missile, a drone, or a hybrid system. The precise role, platform integration, and potential serial production of the missile remain unknown as of late April 2025.

Since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine, Russia has significantly increased its cruise missile production, particularly focusing on the Kh-101 air-launched cruise missile. Production rates have risen from approximately 420 units in 2023 to over 500 units in 2024, with monthly outputs estimated between 40 to 50 missiles. This escalation has been facilitated by the acquisition of Western-manufactured components, despite international sanctions. Investigations have identified that a substantial proportion of these components, including semiconductors and microchips, originate from U.S. companies and are often procured through intermediary nations such as China.

Russia has also introduced and deployed new cruise missile variants, notably the Kh-69. This missile is a stealthy, subsonic, air-launched weapon developed from the Kh-59MK2, designed to engage stationary targets with high precision. The Kh-69 has been observed in combat, including a strike on the Trypillia Thermal Power Plant in Ukraine on April 11, 2024. Additionally, modifications to existing missiles have been documented; for instance, the Kh-101 has been equipped with a tandem warhead, increasing its explosive payload from 400 kg to 800 kg, albeit at the cost of reduced range. These enhancements suggest a strategic emphasis on augmenting the destructive capacity of cruise missiles. Analysis of missile remnants recovered in Ukraine has provided insights into Russia's missile technology and adaptation strategies. Debris from Kh-101 missiles has revealed the use of decoy flares intended to evade air defense systems.

Furthermore, the presence of Western electronic components in these missiles underscores ongoing challenges in enforcing export controls. In response to these developments, Ukraine has significantly increased its own missile production capabilities. In 2024, the production of cruise and ballistic missiles increased eightfold compared to the previous year, with new systems such as the extended-range Long Neptune missile being developed and deployed. These measures reflect Ukraine's efforts to enhance its defense and strike capabilities amid ongoing missile threats.