Exclusive: Russia Uses New Banderol Jet-Powered Drone in Ukraine Reportedly Based on Iranian Shahed-238.

On April 25, 2025, reports surfaced indicating that Russian forces started deploying a new jet-powered loitering munition, dubbed "Banderol," in their ongoing military operations against Ukraine. According to Ukrainian communications and electronic warfare specialist Serhiy "Flash" Beskrestnov, who shared the information on his Telegram channel, the Banderol has been observed in attacks on the Odesa region. Early assessments suggest that this new drone could be a Russian-made copy of the Iranian Shahed-238, a jet-powered suicide UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) unveiled by Iran in 2023, adapted to meet Russian operational requirements.
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The Iranian-made Shahed-238 jet-powered suicide drone, unveiled in 2023, is believed to be the model for Russia’s newly deployed Banderol UAV used against Ukraine. (Picture source: Russian Social Network)

The Banderol UAV is believed to be a Russian-produced variant of Iran's Shahed-238, a jet-powered kamikaze drone unveiled by Iran in late 2023. The Shahed-238 represents an evolution from the propeller-driven Shahed-136, featuring a turbojet engine that enables higher speeds and potentially more challenging interception. While specific technical details about the Banderol remain scarce, available information suggests it is equipped with a jet engine, allowing it to reach speeds between 400 and 500 km/h. This speed is significantly higher than that of its propeller-driven predecessors, potentially complicating interception efforts by Ukrainian air defenses.

Open-source intelligence indicates that the Banderol is classified as a loitering munition and is associated with Russian defense manufacturers JSC Kronstadt and KT–Unmanned Systems. However, these companies have not publicly acknowledged the Banderol in their official communications. The deployment of the Banderol aligns with Russia's broader strategy of enhancing its unmanned aerial capabilities, potentially incorporating technologies and designs from Iranian UAVs. This includes the establishment of production facilities, such as the one in Yelabuga, Tatarstan, dedicated to manufacturing drones like the Shahed-136 and possibly the Shahed-238 variants.

The introduction of the Banderol presents new challenges for Ukrainian air defense systems. Its higher speed and potential for varied guidance systems, such as GPS/GLONASS navigation, electro-optical/infrared sensors, or radar-seeking capabilities, could complicate detection and interception efforts. Ukrainian defense forces may need to adapt their strategies and technologies to counter this emerging threat effectively. This could involve enhancing radar systems, developing faster interception methods, and employing electronic warfare tactics to disrupt the drone's navigation and communication systems. As the conflict continues, the deployment of advanced UAVs like the Banderol underscores the evolving nature of modern warfare and the increasing role of unmanned systems in combat operations.

There is very little public information about the Banderol UAV, which is not surprising given its strategic importance. However, based on indirect data, analysis of photographs of wreckage, and expert opinions, it is possible to draw a rough portrait of this new drone. Observations suggest that the Banderol features improved aerodynamics compared to earlier models. Its more streamlined shape likely contributes positively to its speed and operational range, making it a more effective loitering munition. Furthermore, the drone's design appears to incorporate radar-absorbing materials and structural solutions aimed at reducing its effective radar cross-section (RCS). This would make the Banderol harder to detect and track by radar-guided defense systems, enhancing its survivability on the battlefield.

Experts also indicate that the Banderol is equipped with a significantly improved navigation system. It is likely that a jam-resistant configuration combining Inertial Navigation System (INS) technology with GPS/GLONASS satellite guidance has been implemented. Such an enhancement would ensure greater accuracy in striking targets, even in environments heavily saturated with electronic countermeasures. Another important aspect is the warhead carried by the Banderol, which may be larger and more powerful than the warheads used in previous drones like the Geran series, allowing the new drone to reliably hit and damage fortified or hardened targets.

One of the most intriguing and potentially dangerous features attributed to the Banderol is its swarm capability. According to the analysis, several drones may be able to coordinate their flights, exchange tactical information, and operate as a synchronized swarm. This would make them significantly harder to intercept individually, posing a severe challenge for air defense networks that are already burdened by massed drone and missile attacks.

In examining the Iranian Shahed-238, which the Banderol is believed to be modeled after, some technical specifications provide insight into what might be expected from the Russian variant. The Shahed-238 is a suicide drone developed by Iran and first unveiled in 2023. It measures 3.5 meters in length with a wingspan of 3 meters. Powered by a Toloue-10 jet engine, it boasts a range of up to 1200 kilometers and can achieve cruising speeds up to 600 km/h, with impact speeds exceeding 700 km/h. It operates at altitudes reaching 30,000 feet (approximately 9144 meters), similar to the capabilities of the Shahed-191 UAV. The Shahed-238 has a flight endurance of around two hours and uses a combined GPS/INS – GNSS guidance system. It carries a warhead weighing approximately 50 kilograms and has a maximum take-off weight of 380 kilograms. Launch is typically achieved using Jet-Assisted Take-Off (JATO) systems or vehicle-assisted methods, with recovery by parachute if necessary.

Although it is unlikely that the Banderol is an exact replica of the Shahed-238, the performance characteristics and capabilities suggest that the Russian adaptation could mirror, and possibly even improve upon, the features of its Iranian predecessor. As Russia continues to advance its drone warfare capabilities, the Banderol represents a significant step in integrating faster, stealthier, and more autonomous UAVs into its military strategy, posing an evolving threat to Ukraine's defensive posture.