How a Low-Cost Ukrainian Missile Achieves 650km Range and High Speed

At the MSPO 2025 defense exhibition in Poland, JSC Ukrainian Defense Industry presented detailed specifications of the Palianytsia long-range attack missile, a system that had previously remained shrouded in secrecy. Introduced the previous year, Palianytsia has quickly gained attention for its cost-effective design and impressive operational capabilities. Developed as part of Ukraine’s growing emphasis on affordable yet potent defense technologies, the missile reflects a strategic shift toward scalable and efficient warfare solutions.

Palianytsia. Photo: United24

Weighing in at 320 kilograms, including a 100-kilogram payload, Palianytsia is engineered for precision strikes over extended distances. With a maximum range of 650 kilometers, it offers significant reach for tactical operations, particularly in contested or hard-to-access areas. Its top speed of 900 kilometers per hour, enhancing its survivability and effectiveness in dynamic combat environments.

The missile operates at altitudes ranging from 15 to 500 meters, enabling it to fly low and evade radar detection while maintaining flexibility across varied terrain. Measuring 3.5 meters in length with a wingspan of 1.7 meters, Palianytsia is compact yet aerodynamically optimized for stability and maneuverability. Its navigation system combines GPS with an inertial measurement unit, ensuring accurate targeting even in GPS-denied zones.

Palianytsia’s propulsion system is a hybrid configuration that begins with a solid-fuel rocket for takeoff, transitioning mid-flight to a jet engine for sustained cruising. This dual-stage approach allows for rapid launch and efficient long-distance travel, making it suitable for both strategic and tactical missions. The integration of jet propulsion also contributes to its relatively high cruising speed, a notable advantage over slower, bulkier cruise missile counterparts.

One of the missile’s most compelling features is its affordability, which positions it as a practical alternative to more expensive systems without compromising performance. Its lightweight frame and streamlined design allow for a substantial payload relative to its size, maximizing destructive potential while minimizing logistical burden. These attributes make Palianytsia particularly attractive for nations seeking to modernize their arsenals without incurring prohibitive costs.

Compared to traditional cruise missiles, Palianytsia offers a unique blend of speed, range, and payload capacity, all within a compact and cost-efficient package. Its ability to deliver precision strikes at long distances while remaining agile and hard to detect gives it a tactical edge in modern warfare scenarios. As asymmetric threats and drone-based combat continue to evolve, systems like Palianytsia represent a forward-thinking approach to defense innovation.

The missile’s development also underscores Ukraine’s growing expertise in indigenous weapons manufacturing, signaling a shift toward greater self-reliance in defense capabilities. By leveraging advanced engineering and modular design principles, Ukrainian Defense Industry has created a platform that can be adapted for various mission profiles. Palianytsia’s emergence on the international stage reflects not only technological progress but also strategic resilience in the face of ongoing regional challenges.