Russian Mi-28NM helicopter launches cruise missile for the first time, suspected to be equipped with "Banderol" with a range of 500 kilometers

A Mi-28NM "Havoc" attack helicopter, suspected to be equipped with S8000 "Banderol" (Banderol) or Dan-T missiles. (Picture taken from X@AndreiBtvt)

[Reporter Wu Zheyu/Comprehensive Report] A new combat mode has emerged for Russian attack helicopters. The Russian Ministry of Defense recently released a video showing a Mi-28NM "Havoc" attack helicopter launching small cruise missiles during the operation in Ukraine. It is suspected to be S 8000 "Banderol" or Dan-T. Both weapons are said to have a range of about 500 kilometers, far exceeding traditional helicopter-borne missiles, indicating that the Russian military is trying to transform attack helicopters into long-range standoff strike platforms.

The military news website "The War Zone" reported that the video showed the Mi-28NM launching a missile from under the short left wing. When returning from the mission, another unlaunched missile was still mounted on the right side. However, the Russian Ministry of Defense did not announce the time, location and target of the attack, nor did it confirm the weapon model.

A Mi-28NM "Havoc" attack helicopter, suspected to be equipped with S8000 "Banderol" (Banderol) or Dan-T missiles.

According to information previously disclosed by the Ukrainian Defense Intelligence Service (GUR), the "Banderol" was developed by the Russian company Kronstadt. The missile is about 5 meters long, equipped with deployable wings and a small turbojet engine. It has a flight speed of about 500 kilometers per hour, a maximum range of about 500 kilometers, and a warhead weight of about 50 kilograms. Its component supply chain involves about 30 companies, including the Chinese-made SW800Pro turbojet engine and the Russian-made Kometa satellite navigation antenna.

Another possible Dan-T is derived from the Dan-M target drone. It is said to carry a warhead of about 136 kilograms and has a range of about 500 kilometers, but the cost is about 35% lower than the "Banderol". Ukrainian news pointed out that the Russian army may plan to purchase a large number of Dan-Ts, numbering tens of thousands, and develop fighter aircraft and ground-launch configurations, but the relevant procurement scale has not yet been officially confirmed.

It is worth noting that earlier this year, photos of the Russian military's Mi-28NM carrying a suspected missile of the same type were leaked. In August, it was also reported that the Russian military launched "Banderol" from the sea of ​​​​Azov to attack targets around Odessa. The Ukrainian Air Force also recorded a total of 16 attacks involving "Banderol" from mid-May to mid-July.

Compared with the LMUR missile used by the Mi-28 in the past, which has a range of only about 14 kilometers, if the new cruise missile can reach the claimed range of 500 kilometers, it will give the helicopter the opportunity to launch weapons within Russian airspace and reduce the risk of approaching the Ukrainian air defense system.

The Russian army has used UMPK guided gliding bombs extensively in recent years to attack Ukraine, but this type of weapon does not have a power system. In comparison, "Banderol" and Dan-T have jet propulsion capabilities, can carry out precision strikes at longer distances, and replenish traditional cruise missile inventories at a lower cost.

According to statistics from the open source intelligence organization Oryx, the Russian army has lost at least 21 Mi-28 series helicopters since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The analysis pointed out that allowing helicopters to perform long-range missile launch missions is expected to reduce frontline combat risks and increase the diversity of Russian air strike platforms, making the Ukrainian air defense system face more complex threats.