**Russia’s Skirting of Sanctions Exposed: Ukrainian Military Intelligence Reveals Details of New Cruise Missile**
The Ukrainian military intelligence has made a significant discovery about Russia’s latest cruise missile, the S8000 “Banderol” (Parcel). According to reports, the missile’s construction involves a complex network of international electronic components, which Russia has managed to obtain despite sanctions.
**Evading Sanctions through Shell Companies and Backdoors**
Russia has been accused of using shell companies and intermediary firms to evade sanctions on electronic components. The country routes imports through nations like Armenia, Kazakhstan, China, Türkiye, and the UAE, creating backdoors for dual-use and military-grade chips and semiconductors. This allows Russia to obtain the necessary components without being detected.
**Components from Around the World**
The Ukrainian intelligence agency has identified over 20 foreign-made components in the S8000 missile, with a significant portion originating from the United States. Among the American microchips found were 10 components used in the missile’s construction. The weapon also contains electronic parts from Switzerland, Japan, South Korea, and China.
**US Components Used in Missile Construction**
Investigators discovered a range of US-made components, including Australian telemetry modules, Japanese battery systems, South Korean servo drives, and a Chinese jet engine. These components were likely sourced through Russia’s largest electronics distributor, “Chip and Dip”. The intelligence also revealed that the Chinese Swiwin engine, typically used in aviation modeling, is available on AliExpress for approximately $16,000.
**Technical Capabilities of S8000 Missile**
The S8000 missile demonstrates unique technical capabilities, including the ability to execute turns with a smaller radius compared to typical Russian cruise missiles. The weapon carries a 150-kilogram warhead and has a range of 500 kilometers. It travels at 500 kilometers per hour using aviation kerosene as fuel.
**Adapting Missile for Deployment on Mi-28N Attack Helicopters**
The Ukrainian intelligence agency is also adapting the missile for deployment on Mi-28N attack helicopters, expanding its potential military applications. This move highlights Russia’s efforts to modernize its arsenal and potentially evade international sanctions.
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