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The Ukrainian military has introduced a new, long-range “rocket drone” named “Palianytsia,” designed to strike targets deep within Russian territory, including Russian Airfields.
This new weapon merges the functionalities of drones and missiles, featuring a micro-turbojet engine that delivers 43 kilograms of thrust. It is also equipped with a 20-kilogram blast fragmentation warhead, according to The Defense Post. The aerodynamic design of the Palianytsia resembles that of a traditional rocket. It has a central body, forward-positioned wings, and a detachable tail section. The drone can be launched from a ground-based platform and is reportedly more economical to operate than other weapons of similar type. This cost-effectiveness is significant given the escalating nature of the conflict.
The development of the Palianytsia was driven by Ukraine’s urgent need to counter Russia’s increasing aerial capabilities. It took approximately 18 months to develop and deploy this system in combat. The name “Palianytsia” was chosen as it refers to the name of a traditional bread that notoriously differs in pronunciation between Russians and Ukrainians, and was used in early stages of the war to distinguish Ukrainians from Russians and has since come to embody Ukrainian national identity.
Due to the sensitive nature of this new weapon, detailed technical specifications have not been publicly released, aside from some 3D renderings of the drone. Additionally, the number of these drones currently produced or planned for future production by Ukraine remains undisclosed.
On August 24, Ukraine’s President Zelensky announced the first successful combat use of the Palianytsia during his Independence Day speech. The rocket drone was reported to have struck a Russian military facility in occupied territory. While specific details of the strike were not disclosed, the President highlighted the importance of this new weapon. He pointed out that the Palianytsia represents a significant advancement in Ukraine’s military capabilities, especially given the fact that some allies who donated weapons to Ukraine were opposed to the broader use of their weapons for strikes inside Russian territory.
“This is a completely new class of weapon,” the President declared. “It represents our new method of responding to the enemy.” On X, he added: “The number of rocket-drones production will grow just like our long-range strike drones production did, whose efficiency we see almost daily.” The introduction of the Palianytsia marks a notable development in Ukraine’s efforts to enhance its defensive and offensive capabilities. By employing this new technology, Ukraine aims to strengthen its position in the conflict and assert a more effective response to ongoing threats from Russia.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1NJgDpV5MM
