S‑71K Kovyor of asymmetric design air-launched cruise missile

Russia has unveiled a new generation of stealthy, air‑launched stand‑off weapons for the Su‑57 fighter family at the El Alamein International Air Show in Egypt, including the S‑71M Monokhrom, S‑71K Kovyor, and S8000 Banderol.

These systems, some already used in Ukraine, are designed to provide cheaper alternatives to Western missiles like the JASSM, enabling mass deployment to overwhelm air defences.

Russia showcased these weapons between 8–10 September 2026 at El Alamein. Developed by PJSC United Aircraft Corporation, they represent a deliberate attempt to fill the gap between costly cruise and ballistic missiles and inexpensive armed drones. The emphasis is on affordability, stealth shaping, and compatibility with the Su‑57 stealth fighter family.


The S‑71M Monokhrom is a hybrid system combining features of a cruise missile and loitering munition. It has a trapezoidal fuselage, folding swept wings, and a V‑shaped tail. Powered by a modernised TRDD‑50 turbofan, it can carry warheads up to 250 kg, including fragmentation and penetrating types.

Its range is estimated at 350 km, extendable to 400 km with lighter payloads. Flying at 500–600 km/h, it is optimised for terrain‑hugging altitudes of 20–75 metres over land and 5–15 metres over water to evade radar.

Crucially, it is claimed to feature autonomous target search and recognition, allowing it to identify targets independently rather than relying solely on pre‑programmed coordinates. It can be carried internally by the Su‑57 and the S‑70 Okhotnik UCAV, or externally on pylons.

The S‑71K Kovyor has reportedly been used in Ukraine since late 2025, with fragments recovered by Ukrainian forces. It is an air‑launched cruise missile with an asymmetric design, trapezoidal nose, chin‑mounted optical sensor, swept wings, and inverted V‑tails. Powered by an R500 turbojet, it has a range of 300–350 km and carries a 250 kg OFAB‑250‑270 warhead.

Guidance is via inertial navigation, lacking a sophisticated terminal seeker, making it suitable for fixed targets rather than mobile ones.

Ukrainian analysis revealed foreign‑sourced electronic components from the US, China, Switzerland, Japan, Germany, Taiwan, and Ireland, exposing vulnerabilities to sanctions. Russia’s strategy is to use the Kovyor as a cheap strike option, reserving expensive Kh‑101‑class missiles for high‑value targets.

The S8000 Banderol is a cruise missile/loitering‑munition hybrid with a range of 500 km and a warhead of 114–150 kg. Developed by Kronstadt, it is associated with the Orion UAV but can also be launched from helicopters such as the Mi‑28 Havoc, giving rotary‑wing platforms long‑range strike capability. 

With speeds of 500–650 km/h, it is intended as a low‑cost attrition weapon, enabling Russia to sustain long‑range strikes without relying on more advanced systems. Its design reflects Russia’s focus on affordability and multi‑platform deployment.

A fourth, unidentified munition was also displayed, believed to be another low‑cost Su‑57‑compatible weapon. Defence experts suggest it may be a mini cruise missile with electro‑optical guidance, designed for mass salvos.

The unveiling coincides with Russia’s broader export push at El Alamein, where ROSOBORONEXPORT presented the Su‑57E alongside drones, loitering munitions, and counter‑UAV systems to attract buyers in Africa and the Middle East.

Russia emphasised Egypt as a strategic partner, positioning the Su‑57 not only as an air‑superiority fighter but as a multirole strike platform with stand‑off capabilities. This reflects Moscow’s intent to market affordable strike solutions to nations unable to procure Western systems.

The new weapons highlight Russia’s adaptation to sanctions and battlefield realities. By integrating commercial components and focusing on low‑cost designs, Russia aims to sustain production and field large numbers of weapons.

However, the lack of advanced seekers limits their effectiveness against mobile or heavily defended targets. Their primary utility lies in overwhelming air defences through saturation strikes.

Agencies