The Ukrainian defense industry is impressing with a new achievement: the “Palyanytsya” missile drone, which is targeting Russian military facilities. According to Forbes, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the first combat use of this new long-range weapon, which he called a “missile drone.”.
“Palyanytsya” is not just another drone; it is Ukraine’s strategic response to Russia’s increasing drone and long-range missile attacks. Zelensky stressed that the new weapon is intended to defend Ukraine by destroying Russian aircraft on the ground before they can take off and launch their attacks. This approach, known as “killing the archer, not the arrow,” has become a key element of Ukraine’s air defense strategy.
According to reports, on August 22, the “Palyanytsya” carried out a strike on the Marynivka air base, destroying and damaging several bombers. Satellite images confirm serious damage to the base, indicating the effectiveness of the new drone.
The “Palyanytsia” has the potential to hit more than 20 Russian air bases, making it an important component of Ukraine’s defense strategy. The drone is known to have a maximum range of about 600 km, which is less than some other Ukrainian drones, but still impressive.
While exact details about the Palanytsia’s size and speed remain classified, it is reported to be powered by a turbojet engine. This has sparked debate about whether Palanytsia should be classified as a missile or a drone, as there are examples of drones with rocket engines, such as Raytheon’s latest version of the Coyote.
Ukraine's Minister of Strategic Industries Oleksandr Kamyshyn confirmed that the new weapon is "both a drone and a missile," emphasizing the lack of clear definitions in this area.
