President Volodymyr Zelensky’s address at the 2024 Borys Paton National Prize of Ukraine Award Ceremony highlighted significant advancements in Ukraine’s domestic weapons development program, crucial amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. He announced the successful first combat deployment of the “Peklo” missile-drone, meaning “hell,” with the first batch already delivered to Ukrainian defense forces. Concurrent with this deployment, Zelensky revealed the successful ongoing trials of a new missile called “Ruta.” These developments underscore Ukraine’s increasing focus on developing its own military technology, supplementing international aid and bolstering its defense capabilities. While details regarding both the Peklo and Ruta remain scarce pending official confirmation from the Ministry of Defense, these announcements signal a potential shift in the dynamics of the conflict.
The Ruta missile, developed by the privately held European aerospace company Destinus, represents a multi-functional platform. According to Destinus, the missile boasts a blend of affordability, payload capacity, and speed, making it suitable for a range of missions. These include not only offensive strike capabilities but also intelligence gathering, rapid surveillance, disaster response, emergency supply delivery, and target practice. Its booster-assisted takeoff and landing, facilitated by parachutes and airbags, further enhance its versatility. With a reported range of 300 kilometers (186 miles) and described as a “UAV with a jet engine,” the Ruta potentially offers Ukraine a flexible and cost-effective asset for various operational needs.
The Peklo missile-drone, on the other hand, seemingly focuses on long-range strike capabilities. With a reported range of 700 kilometers and a speed of 700 kph, it presents a significant threat to targets deep within enemy territory. Produced by the Ukrainian manufacturer Ukroboronprom, the Peklo has reportedly been successfully deployed five times, demonstrating its operational readiness and effectiveness. This domestically produced missile-drone offers Ukraine a potent offensive tool, potentially altering the strategic balance and adding a new dimension to the ongoing conflict.
Adding to these developments, Zelensky confirmed the commencement of serial production for the Palianytsia missile. This indicates a move towards mass production and deployment of this weapon system, further reinforcing Ukraine’s offensive capabilities. Furthermore, the active utilization of various Ukrainian-made drones, including reconnaissance drones like “Hor,” night bombers such as “Vampire” and “Heavy Shot,” FPV drones like “Kolibri” and “Kamik,” and FPV planes called “Darts,” showcases a comprehensive approach to drone warfare. This diversified drone fleet enables Ukraine to perform a wide spectrum of missions, from intelligence gathering and targeted strikes to surveillance and battlefield assessment.
The context of these announcements, made during the prestigious Borys Paton National Prize of Ukraine Award Ceremony, adds further weight to their significance. The ceremony honored 91 scientists from 12 Ukrainian research teams whose work directly contributes to the nation’s defense capabilities, resilience, and overall well-being. This highlights the vital role of scientific innovation and technological advancement in Ukraine’s ongoing struggle. Zelensky’s announcements, made within this context, emphasize the link between scientific progress and the development of critical defense technologies.
These recent advancements in Ukraine’s weapons development program, particularly the combat deployment of the Peklo and the testing of the Ruta, signal a potential turning point in the conflict. They demonstrate Ukraine’s growing capacity to design and deploy sophisticated weaponry, reducing reliance on foreign aid and enhancing its self-sufficiency in defense. While further details regarding the specifications and capabilities of these new weapons systems are awaited, their introduction undoubtedly adds a new layer of complexity to the ongoing war. Moreover, it underscores Ukraine’s determination to strengthen its defense posture and pursue innovative solutions to counter the ongoing threat. The active engagement of Ukrainian scientists and the commitment to domestic weapons development, as highlighted by Zelensky’s announcements, signify a sustained effort to enhance the nation’s defense capabilities and resilience in the face of adversity.
