Ukraine has developed a new long-range weapon called "Palianytsia", capable of striking targets deep within Russian territory without requiring permission from its allies. This development marks a significant advancement in Ukraine's military capabilities, potentially altering the dynamics of the ongoing conflict.
The Palianytsia, named after a traditional Ukrainian bread, combines characteristics of both missiles and drones. Its development began in early 2023, driven by the urgent need to counter Russia's air superiority since the outbreak of the war in February 2022.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the existence of the Palianytsia on August 24, 2024, coinciding with Ukraine's 33rd anniversary of independence from the Soviet Union. The weapon was reportedly used for the first time on this date, targeting a Russian military installation in occupied territory.
"Defenders of life should have no restrictions on weapons, as long as Russia uses all kinds of its own weapons."
Ukrainian officials claim the Palianytsia has a range of up to 700 kilometers (430 miles), comparable to the US-supplied ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile System). This range potentially allows Ukraine to reach at least 20 Russian airfields and numerous militarily significant targets within Russia.
Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine's technology minister, emphasized the weapon's potential impact: "I think this will be a game changer because we will be able to strike where Russia doesn't expect it today." He added that the next step is to scale up production.
The Palianytsia is described as a "completely new development" by a specialist involved in the project. It features a solid-fuel booster for initial acceleration, followed by a jet engine, likely utilizing ramjet or scramjet technology for sustained high-speed flight.
Each missile reportedly costs less than $1 million, with Ukraine turning to the private sector to further reduce production costs. This approach aligns with the global trend of increasing private sector involvement in military technology development.
Ukraine's military leadership sees Russia's vast size as a potential vulnerability. Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, Ukraine's Commander-in-Chief, stated that Russia has launched 9,627 long-range missiles since the war began, with Ukraine's defense intercepting only a quarter of them. More than half of the Russian targets were reportedly civilian.
The introduction of the Palianytsia represents Ukraine's efforts to enhance its defensive and offensive capabilities independently. As Fedorov noted, "If we have our own weapons like this, we will feel more independent and confident."
This development underscores the evolving nature of modern warfare, where technological advancements and strategic innovations play crucial roles in shaping military operations and geopolitical dynamics.