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Ukraine Scales Up Domestic Production of Neptune Missiles and Palianytsia Rocket Drones

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Ukraine Scales Up Domestic Production of Neptune Missiles and Palianytsia Rocket Drones
Ukrainian Neptune subsonic cruise missile test launch, 2019. (Source: Ukrainian Military Pages)

Ukraine scales up production of domestic Neptune cruise missiles and launches Palianytsia rocket drone into mass production, wrote Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov on Lb.ua on December 4.

“Missiles are not just weapons—they are a strategic advantage,” Umerov stated.

Unlike drones, which have limited firepower and often require coordination with international partners, Ukraine’s cruise and ballistic missiles allow for autonomous operations.

These weapons provide precise strikes on key enemy targets and serve as a powerful deterrent to further aggression.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently announced that Ukraine had already produced its first 100 missiles in 2024. The production includes updated R-360 Neptune missiles capable of hitting targets at greater distances.

Private enterprises are also contributing significantly. A notable example is the Palianytsia rocket drone, developed by a startup and now in serial production with the Ministry of Defense’s support.

New Ukrainian-made rocket drone Palianytsia (illustrative image). Source: UNITED24 Media
New Ukrainian-made rocket drone Palianytsia (illustrative image). Source: UNITED24 Media

Ukraine is also enhancing its missile program through international partnerships. Collaborative projects with Italy and Belgium aim to localize the production of air defense systems and missiles, further modernizing Ukraine’s defense industry and integrating it with the European defense sector.

The Ministry of Defense is accelerating structural changes to improve the management of missile projects. New departments dedicated to missile and air defense systems have been established to coordinate state and private sector efforts.

“These missiles will protect our land today. And they will ensure peace in the future. Because in today’s world, victory is not only a matter of strength but also a matter of technology,” Umerov concluded.

Earlier, Defense Ministers from Ukraine and Lithuania signed a memorandum in Vilnius, establishing a framework for enhanced cooperation and support for Ukraine’s security and defense forces.

The agreement includes Lithuania’s commitment to fund the production of long-range Ukrainian drones, a significant step in bilateral defense collaboration.

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