Ukraine has announced the development of a new long-range weapon, the ‘Palianytsia,’ marking a significant escalation in its ability to strike deep into Russia. This weapon, described as a hybrid of a missile and a drone, was created due to the urgent need for a countermeasure against Russia’s dominance of the skies since the war began in February 2022.
The ‘Palianytsia’, named after a type of Ukrainian bread, was first used on Ukraine’s 33rd Independence Day, targeting a Russian military installation in occupied territory. While details remain limited, a Ukrainian military video suggests a range of up to 700 kilometers (430 miles), comparable to the US-supplied ATACMS missile. The video showcases a map pinpointing various airfields, including Russia’s Savasleyka air base, within the weapon’s range, and claims that at least 20 Russian airfields are susceptible to ‘Palianytsia’ strikes.
This development marks a crucial shift in Ukraine’s strategy. While Western allies have provided long-range weapons, they’ve imposed restrictions on their use within Russia, fearing escalation. Ukraine, however, has been eager to target key infrastructure deeper within Russian territory, aiming to disrupt their military operations. The Institute for the Study of War has identified at least 250 militarily significant targets in Russia within the range of ATACMS missiles, but current restrictions limit Ukrainian strikes to only 20 of them.
The ‘Palianytsia’ is expected to be a game-changer, providing Ukraine with the capability to strike deep into Russia’s rear areas where they have been leveraging sanctuary space for critical military infrastructure. The development of this weapon has been a long-term goal for Ukraine, as its inability to effectively counter Russian long-range strikes has resulted in significant casualties and destruction of civilian infrastructure. Russia has launched over 9,600 long-range missiles, with only a quarter being intercepted, and over half targeting civilian areas, according to Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi.
Ukraine’s Technology Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, in his first interview about the new weapon, highlighted the importance of scaling up production to meet the demands of the conflict. He emphasized the cost-effectiveness of the weapon, priced under $1 million per missile, and the commitment to further reduce production costs through private sector collaboration. This trend of private sector involvement in supplying the Ukrainian military with advanced weaponry is evident in the recent rise of drone production, including those used for strikes inside Russia and against the Russian Black Sea fleet. Fedorov expressed confidence in Ukraine’s ability to develop a wide range of missiles, ultimately leading to greater independence and confidence in their defense capabilities. He also believes that Russia’s vast size could be its weakness, as it becomes increasingly difficult to defend such a large territory against long-range strikes. This, in turn, opens up opportunities for Ukraine to operate deep behind enemy lines and disrupt their operations.
The ‘Palianytsia’ represents a significant technological advancement for Ukraine and could potentially alter the course of the conflict by giving them a more potent means to retaliate against Russian aggression. It remains to be seen how Russia will respond to this development and how it will affect the overall dynamics of the war.
