Ukraine’s Expanding Long-Range Missile Arsenal: ‘Neptune,’ ‘Palianytsia,’ ‘Peklo,’ and ‘Ruta’

Closing out 2024, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy set an ambitious goal: 3,000 domestically produced missiles by 2025. It’s a daring leap for a program that made just a few hundred missiles annually before Russia’s full-scale invasion.

In early 2022, Ukraine’s arsenal included only one domestically developed missile—the Neptune anti-ship missile, which famously sank Russia’s Moskva cruiser, a $750 million asset. Over two years, Ukraine has expanded its missile capabilities, with four new systems now in development or combat use.

Ruta

The latest addition is the Ruta, named after the rue plant, a symbol deeply rooted in Ukrainian tradition. Very little is publicly known about this missile, except that it is in the final stages of testing. Analysts estimate it has a range of up to 300 km, a top speed of 800 km/h, and a warhead weighing approximately 100 kg.

However, neither the Ukrainian government nor the manufacturer has confirmed these details.

Peklo

Unveiled in December 2024, the Peklo (translated as “Hell”) is a cruise missile with a range of up to 700 km. Specific details remain classified, but during its presentation, officials confirmed that the missile had passed combat tests and entered mass production. Over 60 units were displayed at the event, signaling robust production efforts.

With its range, Peklo can target distant Russian airfields up to 700 km away, forcing Russia to relocate its aircraft further back. This strategic shift would reduce the operational effectiveness of Russian aviation.

Palianytsia

The Palianytsia—the first of Ukraine’s new family of rocket drones—also boasts a range of approximately 700 km. While other specifications remain secret, Palianytsia has undergone 18 months of development and is currently in mass production. It has successfully passed all tests, including hitting military targets in combat.

Long-range Neptune

The Neptune began as an anti-ship missile with a range of 300 km and a speed of up to 900 km/h. Its effectiveness was proven with the Moskva’s destruction. Ukraine is now developing a modified version, dubbed the “Long-range Neptune,” designed for ground targets.

Although the program remains highly classified, preliminary reports suggest the upgraded missile can strike land-based targets at distances of up to 400 km, with plans to extend its range further. President Zelenskyy recently stated that the new Neptune variant would soon be added to Ukraine’s arsenal.

Affordable, mass-produced missiles

A key feature of Ukraine’s missile program is its emphasis on cost-effective production and simplicity. Ukraine aims to mass-produce a large quantity of missiles quickly, offering flexibility for deep strikes into Russian territory.

Western weapons, while technologically advanced, are often expensive and slow to produce. Production rates sometimes reach only a few dozen units per month. By contrast, Ukraine’s Palianytsia rocket drone costs under $1 million, offering a more accessible and scalable solution for intense, high-stakes warfare.

For an active, high-intensity war, a diverse arsenal is essential, which is why Ukraine focuses on affordability.