Vladimir Putin’s low-cost missiles could become a new threat for Ukraine. In a war that on the ground appears to be in a prolonged stalemate, Moscow has stepped up raids that increasingly target civilian infrastructure. “Russia has an arsenal of about 700 ballistic missiles and several thousand other missiles,” summarized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
New low-cost weapons
The situation is likely to change in the coming months in both quantity and quality if Moscow implements the strategy outlined by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), the U.S. think tank that monitors the conflict daily. Analysts say Russia began integrating low-cost, “quasi-cruise” missiles into its arsenal starting in mid-2026. The invader’s stockpile is expected to grow, increasing pressure on Ukraine’s already strained air defenses. According to the ISW, Russia is accelerating production of these new missiles, which are expected to be faster and more maneuverable than earlier models. The goal is to deploy them widely in 2027 before Ukraine can develop effective countermeasures.
Kyiv without air defense
For the first time since the war began, Kyiv has recently started installing protective nets on some bridges to defend them from Russian drone attacks. Barriers were placed along the sides of the North Bridge, which has been repeatedly targeted in recent days. Similar measures, already used in eastern and southern front areas, aim to protect key transport links from drone strikes. Since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, authorities have feared attacks on the capital’s eight main road and rail arteries, which are vital to the city’s logistics. The recent strikes on bridges have caused repeated traffic disruptions and severe congestion in Kyiv, which has about three million residents. Mayor Vitali Klitschko warned that Kyiv must prepare for wartime conditions, accusing Russia of “tearing the city apart” through attacks on bridges and energy infrastructure.
The new Banderol and Dan-T missiles
For months Russian raids have already included Banderol missiles — also known as S8000 — which have distinctive features: they use Chinese-made propulsion, are inexpensive, and fly like conventional cruise missiles. They first appeared in spring 2025 during strikes on Odesa region. Use has increased over time: according to Ukrainian armed forces data, Banderol missiles were employed in 40 attacks between 14 May and 30 September. Ukrainian intelligence believes they were also used against ports, warehouses, and logistics hubs in the south. Current Ukrainian interceptors have proven little or no effectiveness against them. Structurally, the Banderol resembles a scaled-down version of the Kh-101 cruise missile, which is air-launched, can reach speeds up to 1,000 km/h, has a range up to 2,500 km and can carry a 480 kg warhead. A Kh-101 can cost up to about $2 million according to ISW estimates, while a Banderol is estimated to cost between $50,000 and $150,000, representing a substantial cost saving.
Banderol is not the only low-cost option being introduced. The ISW reports that Russia has also introduced the Dan-T, which was displayed at an airshow in Egypt on 8 September. The Dan-T weighs about 270 kg, has a range of roughly 450 km and can alter its trajectory with systems designed to evade air defenses. Ukrainian analysts assess that Dan-Ts, with warheads up to 135 kg, could be used against fortified field positions and “light” infrastructure. Based on available Ukrainian information, it is not yet clear whether Moscow has already used Dan-Ts in combat.
The Geran 5 “super” drones
These newer missile options add to the threat already posed by Geran drones, an evolved version of the Shahed equipped with jet engines that have superseded the earlier generation of kamikaze drones. The ISW notes that drones remain a heavily relied-upon tool: between Shahed and Geran types, more than 7,700 were reportedly launched in September following an increase that began in June.
The new missiles differ from Geran drones mainly in warhead size and operational range. Russia began deploying Geran drones between late 2023 and early 2024. The Geran 5, in particular, is reported to carry a warhead of about 90 kg, reach speeds near 600 km/h and have an operational range up to 1,000 km.
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