---
title: "New Kremlin Tactics: Russia Shifts to Ground Launch of 'Banderol' Drone-Missiles"
description: "Russia is changing tactics: 'Banderol' drone-missiles can now be launched from the ground to conceal attacks. Experts warn about the scaling of the threat and the strain on Ukraine's air defense. 🚀🛡️"
date: 2026-08-03T10:58:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/new-kremlin-tactics-russia-shifts-to-ground-launch-of-banderol-drone-missiles
tags: [ukraine, russia, kyiv, beskrestnov, banderol]
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# New Kremlin Tactics: Russia Shifts to Ground Launch of 'Banderol' Drone-Missiles

![Russian drone-missile Banderyol in flight, showcasing the new ground launch tactic](https://xab.info/media/2026/08/03/rossiya-perekhodit-k-nazemnomu-zapusku-dronov-raket-banderol/rossiya-perekhodit-k-nazemnomu-zapusku-dronov-raket-banderol-1.webp)

During the shelling of Kyiv on June 15, Russian forces used the 'Banderol' drone-missile against the capital for the first time. This guided missile was previously used primarily against Ukraine's border regions. Now, according to experts, Russia is looking for ways to scale up the use of this weapon by changing its launch tactics.

### Seeking Workarounds: From Air to Ground

The classic scheme for using 'Banderol' involves launching it from an airborne carrier — the 'Orion' UAV. However, as noted by aviation expert and Director of Development for a defense enterprise, Anatoliy Khrapchynsky, Russia faces serious problems with the air launch of cruise missiles. The takeoff of a carrier aircraft or drone gives the enemy early warning of a pending attack.

"They are looking for a solution that would allow them to diversify these risks," Khrapchynsky comments on the situation. Consequently, there is increasing information about the possibility of launching 'Banderol' from ground platforms. Ukrainian President's Advisor Serhiy Besskrystnov ("Flash") has already published photos allegedly showing the drone-missile on a new ground launcher.

The expert emphasizes that so far this information is confirmed only by Russian sources, but the logic of the enemy's actions is obvious: to conceal the preparation for an attack and make it unexpected. However, switching to ground launches comes at a price — technical characteristics will significantly reduce the weapon's range.

### A "Budget" Alternative to Strategic Missiles

Specialists note that 'Banderol' can become a more mass threat compared to the well-known Kh-101 missiles. Launching the latter requires expensive strategic aviation (Tu-95 aircraft), which demands complex logistics and constant redeployment. 'Banderol', on the other hand, is assembled from available components, including Chinese ones, and does not require complex production.

Although in June Kostyantyn Kryvolap noted that the high price would prevent 'Banderol' from becoming a mass weapon, throughout the summer of 2026 the enemy has increasingly used this drone-missile. Russia aims to scale up the production and use of jet drones to overload Ukraine's air defense system.

### Flight Characteristics and Interception Capabilities

'Banderol' represents a complex target for interception. As Serhiy Besskrystnov notes, it is capable of active maneuvering during flight and descends to an altitude of just 200 meters before striking. It requires a distance of only 2.5 kilometers to turn. Guidance is carried out via satellite navigation signals, but the missile is also equipped with an autonomous navigation system, making it resistant to electronic warfare (EW) interference.

Nevertheless, there are no problems with detection and interception. The drone-missile flies along a profile characteristic of cruise missiles or jet drones. "With the availability of interceptor missiles, shooting down 'Banderol' is realistic," Anatoliy Khrapchynsky is confident. The main problem is that the mass use of such targets creates a critical load on air defense assets.