Ukraine Unveils New Long-Range Rocket-Drone Hybrid in Combat Debut
Ukraine has introduced a new long-range rocket-drone hybrid, dubbed the “Palianytsia,” marking its first combat use against Russian targets. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shared a video suggesting the weapon’s potential to strike targets up to 400 miles inside Russian territory.
The Palianytsia, designed to target Russian aircraft at air bases within Russia, made what Zelenskyy described as a “successful” combat debut. While many of its specifications remain classified, the weapon’s range reportedly encompasses “two dozen” Russian military airfields, including the Savasleyka air base in Nizhny Novgorod and Soltsy air base in the Novgorod region.
Utilizing a turbojet engine and launched from a ground platform, the Palianytsia represents a significant advancement in Ukraine’s long-range strike capabilities. Zelenskyy emphasized its strategic importance, noting that Russia has launched approximately 10,000 missiles and over 33,000 glide bombs at Ukraine in the past two and a half years.
The domestically-designed weapon aims to neutralize Russia’s offensive potential by targeting aircraft at military bases, potentially curbing attacks on Ukrainian cities. Production of these rocket drones is expected to increase, mirroring the growth in long-range strike drone manufacturing.
Ukraine’s development of the Palianytsia comes amid restrictions on using Western-supplied weaponry for deep strikes inside Russian territory. As Russia has repositioned targets beyond the range of donated missiles like the Storm Shadow and ATACMS, Ukraine has turned to domestic solutions for long-range attacks.
The Institute for the Study of War has confirmed Russian aircraft redeployments to airfields beyond the reach of Western-provided long-range weapons. In response, Ukraine has employed domestically-produced drones for extended-range strikes, including a notable hit on a Russian Tu-22M3 supersonic bomber at Olenya airbase, 1,100 miles inside Russia.
As Ukraine continues its counteroffensive in Russia’s Kursk territory, the introduction of the Palianytsia adds a new dimension to the ongoing conflict, potentially shifting the strategic balance in long-range strike capabilities.
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