The Ukrainian military has unveiled a new, long-range rocket drone designed to neutralize targets deep inside Russia.
Called “Palianytsia,” the weapon combines the features of drones and missiles, including having a micro-turbojet engine that generates 43 kilograms (95 pounds) of thrust.
It is also reportedly armed with a 20-kilogram (44-pound) blast fragmentation warhead similar to the capacity of an AIM-120 AMRAAM missile.
In terms of aerodynamic design, the autonomous platform looks like a traditional rocket with a central body, forward-positioned wings, and a detachable tail section.
The rocket drone can be launched from a ground platform and is said to be cheaper to operate than other weapons of the same type.
Ukraine has introduced its first long-range rocket drone, Palianytsia, designed to target Russian airfields and strengthen its defense where Western weapons can’t be used.
United24 Media spoke with one of its developers and learned important details ⤵️https://t.co/3iYQIstSGN pic.twitter.com/iVZo8rC63g
— UNITED24 Media (@United24media) August 25, 2024
Symbolic Name
The Palianytsia was developed out of an urgent need to counter Russia’s increasing dominance in the skies.
It took Ukraine one and a half years to develop the system and deploy it on the battlefield.
The name of the rocket drone is symbolic for Kyiv because apart from it being a traditional bread, it is also difficult for Russians to pronounce correctly.
The word was also used at the onset of the invasion to distinguish Ukrainians from Russians and symbolizes Ukrainian identity and resistance.
First Hit
In his Independence Day speech on August 24, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the first successful combat use of the Palianytsia.
It reportedly hit a Russian military facility in an occupied territory during a recent strike.
Though no further details were provided, Zelensky said the advancement is a critical way for the country to act amid the reluctance of some allies to allow greater freedom to use their donated weapons for strikes inside Russia.
“An absolutely new class of weapon… This is our new method of retaliating against the aggressor,” he declared.
