The war in Ukraine continues. kyiv seeks to damage the morale of Russian civilians by striking deeper and deeper into Russia's territory. It announces that it is launching mass production of a long-range drone missile.
In the midst of the war in Ukraine: kyiv launches mass production of Palianytsia
Beginning of a turning point in Ukrainian military strategy with the announcement of the start of mass production of the Palianytsia drone missile. This new long-range weapon, the result of close collaboration between the Ukrainian government and private defense companies, reflects the technological and strategic resilience of a country in the midst of war. The project is part of a dynamic of military self-sufficiency aimed at overcoming the restrictions imposed by certain Western arms suppliers.
The Palianytsia, sometimes described as a hybrid between a cruise missile and an attack drone, stands out for its performance. Capable of traveling up to 700 kilometers, it targets critical infrastructure such as air bases and munitions depots located deep within Russian territory. Key features include a turbojet engine, GPS navigation and the ability to make in-flight course corrections. Thus, it is superior to many traditional missiles.
The range and versatility of this drone missile make it possible to cover a wide strategic range. Reports indicate that it can reach up to 20 Russian air bases, including the Savasleyka base, located 665 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. This precision, combined with a payload varying between 20 and 50 kilograms, gives the Palianytsia formidable potential to neutralize major military objectives.
Accelerated production
The emphasis on domestic production is not only strategic but also economic. With a unit cost of less than $1 million, The Palianytsia is more affordable than Western missiles like the Storm Shadow, while offering comparable range and effectiveness.
One of the most remarkable aspects of this program is the speed of its implementation. In just 18 months, the project went from concept to mass production, a near feat in the military field. Furthermore, it demonstrates Ukraine's ability to mobilize its resources in times of crisis. Notable support came from Lithuania, which invested 10 million euros to boost production. This financing model illustrates the importance of international cooperation in strengthening Ukrainian defense in the face of the challenges posed by the conflict with Russia.
Alongside the Palianytsia, Ukraine has restarted production of its cruise missile R-360 Neptune, originally designed for coastal defense but now adapted for longer range strikes. The complementarity between these two systems broadens the tactical options of the Ukrainian army.
