Following the invasion of Ukraine by Russia over two years ago, the Ukrainian battlefield has gradually turned into a drone war. The significant use of drones as attack weapons is one of the ways warfare has evolved in this conflict. On Friday, December 6th, Ukraine showcased a new type of “rocket drone” to enhance long-range strike capabilities.
Since November, both Russia and Ukraine have launched the largest-scale drone attacks since the war began in February 2022. Drones have proven to be effective defensive weapons, capable of restraining enemy forces on the battlefield.
According to Reuters, on Friday, Ukraine revealed a new domestically produced “rocket drone” that can reportedly fly 700 kilometers (430 miles), more than double the longest missile range provided by Western allies.
Named “Peklo,” which means “hell” in Ukrainian, this drone is the second of its kind introduced by Ukraine, aiming to enhance capabilities for deep incursion into Russia.
A representative from Ukroboronprom, Ukraine’s state-owned weapons manufacturer, told reporters during the official handover ceremony to the armed forces that the drone can reach speeds of up to 700 kilometers per hour. However, the company did not provide further details and did not offer evidence of the drone’s range or speed. Ukraine typically does not disclose details of its defense industry, citing concerns about providing useful information to Russia.
Ukraine’s Minister of Arms Production stated to Reuters in November that the “rocket drone” could be seen as something akin to a cruise missile, flying at low altitudes along guided paths, typically below the speed of sound.
Reportedly, this drone is over one meter in length, equipped with small wings on both sides and two tail wings.
Russia has already utilized thousands of long-range missiles and drones to target military and infrastructure objectives across Ukraine. Ukraine has been seeking retaliatory capabilities.
Throughout the war, Ukraine has been attempting to balance the gap in long-range strikes by launching explosive-propelled propeller drones within 1,000 kilometers into targets inside Russia.
Phillips O’Brien, a war studies professor at the University of St Andrews in Scotland, previously told the BBC that drones have become a prominent feature of the Ukrainian war and are profoundly influencing the way the war is being fought.
Aggressive drones can be used in conjunction with artillery to attack enemy forces. The Ukrainian military has successfully repelled attacks by Russian tank columns using drones alone. Russia also frequently employs these attack drones in swarms in an attempt to destroy Ukraine’s air defense systems.
Ukrainian President Zelensky attended the drone showcase event on Friday, stating last month that Ukraine is developing four different types of missiles.
However, Ukraine’s Minister of Arms Production previously informed Reuters that despite successful launches, missile programs have been plagued by global supply chain issues.