Russian defence ministry shows Mi-28NM launching small cruise missile

Russia’s Ministry of Defence has released footage of a Mi-28NM attack helicopter launching a small cruise missile, US specialist defence publication The War Zone reports in an article dated 6 November 2026. The same footage is also described by Defence Blog, a specialist website covering defence and military equipment. Both reports draw on the same official video. Flank has found no independent confirmation of the date, location or combat context of the launch shown.

Two possible missiles, but no firm identification

According to The War Zone’s description, one missile is launched from a pylon beneath the helicopter’s left stub wing. On its return, an unfired missile remains beneath the right stub wing. The publication says the Russian ministry has not named the weapon.

The War Zone suggests two possibilities: the S8000 Banderol or the Dan-T, which it describes as closely related designs with a very similar appearance. Defence Blog also identifies these possibilities, without making a definitive identification. Agreement between the reports does not establish the missile type.

According to specialist publications The War Zone and Defence Blog, Russia’s Ministry of Defence has not specified the launch date or the target. The War Zone does not give the exact location either, and describes the missile’s use in a combat operation in Ukraine as presumed. The date of 6 November refers to the media reports, not an established filming date. Neither a hit nor the outcome of the strike has been confirmed. The information may be supplemented if verifiable details emerge.

Launch shows a possible new role for the Mi-28NM

The War Zone views the footage as part of Russian efforts to use relatively inexpensive weapons for stand-off strikes from unconventional launch platforms. However, the publication does not support its description of the weapon as low-cost with a specific price for the missile shown.

In Flank’s assessment, the military significance lies in the possible expansion of the Mi-28NM’s roles. A missile with sufficient range would allow the helicopter to attack without approaching the target closely. Whether it could remain outside the coverage of enemy air defences depends on the weapon’s range, the flight profile and the disposition of those defences.

A single filmed launch is not enough to draw conclusions about reliability, accuracy or the scale of deployment. Without established missile specifications and verifiable results, the effectiveness of this configuration against defended targets cannot be assessed either.