Russia has released footage showing its Mi-28NM attack helicopter launching a suspected long-range cruise missile during operations linked to the war in Ukraine. The weapon could be the S8000 Banderol or Dan-T, two relatively inexpensive Russian developments designed to expand standoff strike capabilities. Their potential use across helicopters, drones and combat aircraft highlights Russia’s effort to diversify its long-range weapons inventory.
Russia Ukraine War
Russia proposes extending foreign aircraft lease rules, allowing Russian airlines to keep leased jets flying until 2028.
Russia has equipped its Geran-4 and Geran-5 attack drones with the new Susanin optical navigation system, designed to help them navigate despite electronic jamming
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned airlines, aviation insurers and foreign governments that Russian airspace is becoming increasingly dangerous because of continuing Ukrainian drone activity.
Romania destroyed an explosive-laden maritime drone near the Neptun Deep gas project after another drone crashed inside its territory during a major Russian attack on Ukraine.
Ukraine says its military intelligence agency identified an NVIDIA Jetson Orin computer module inside Russia’s S-71M Monochrome air-launched cruise missile.
Russia launched one of its largest combined missile and drone attacks in recent months, striking cities across Ukraine overnight and forcing neighboring Poland to activate fighter aircraft after a Russian cruise missile reportedly entered its airspace.
Russia’s civil aviation sector is facing renewed scrutiny after Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SZRU) claimed the Kremlin is restructuring several aviation businesses to mask mounting operational and financial problems rather than resolve them.
Russia uses civilian airlines and dual-use airfields to move troops and weapons, bypassing sanctions through shadow charter flights globally.
Sabena Aerospace will maintain European F-16 fighters destined for Ukraine under a new US DoD contract, ensuring sustained operational readiness as additional aircraft arrive.