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Peklo Missile-Drone in Serial Production to Strengthen Ukraine’s Long-Range Strike Capabilities.
On February 8, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and NATO Military Committee Chairman Giuseppe Cavo Dragone visited an underground facility in Ukraine where Peklo missile drones are being produced. This highly secured production site reflects Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to develop long-range strike capabilities despite logistical and industrial challenges imposed by the ongoing conflict. Marking Cavo Dragone’s first official visit to Ukraine since his appointment, the visit comes amid increasing tensions, with Ukraine seeking to strengthen its defense industry while deepening its cooperation with NATO.
Since late 2024, production of the Peklo has accelerated, with nearly 100 units already manufactured and serial production ramping up. (Picture source: Office of the President of Ukraine)
The Peklo missile-drone is a key asset for the Ukrainian armed forces due to its operational capabilities. With a range of 700 kilometers and a speed of 700 km/h, it is designed to conduct precision strikes on distant targets. Developed as an alternative to Western cruise missiles, it features a hybrid design that combines the characteristics of a long-range drone and a cruise missile. Its modular construction allows it to be adapted to different engine types available on the market, mitigating supply chain constraints. Approximately 70% of its components are domestically produced, reducing Ukraine’s dependence on foreign suppliers.
Since late 2024, production of the Peklo has accelerated, with nearly 100 units already manufactured and serial production ramping up. Ukraine aims to produce at least 30,000 long-range drones next year as part of a resilience plan to offset artillery shortages on the battlefield and overcome restrictions on the use of Western-supplied weapons. This development highlights Ukraine’s defense industry’s adaptability and technological advancements, despite continuous attacks on its infrastructure. The decision to locate this production facility underground is a strategic measure to minimize the risk of aerial strikes that could disrupt manufacturing operations.
During the visit, Zelensky emphasized the strategic importance of domestically produced weaponry, stating that locally manufactured systems play a crucial role in enhancing Ukraine’s military capabilities. He expressed appreciation for NATO’s continued support since the full-scale Russian invasion and underscored the necessity of maintaining sustained pressure on Moscow to achieve a lasting resolution to the conflict. He also presented state awards to the factory workers, recognizing their contributions to the country’s defense sector.
Cavo Dragone’s presence at the facility holds significant relevance, not only due to his position as NATO’s highest-ranking military official but also because it aligns with the alliance’s ongoing efforts to provide practical support to Ukraine. He reaffirmed NATO’s long-term commitment to Ukraine, emphasizing that the country is now an integral part of transatlantic security. He also highlighted the NSATU mission ("Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine"), aimed at improving the coordination of military aid and training for Ukrainian forces.
Beyond the inspection of Peklo’s production lines, discussions during the visit covered preparations for the upcoming Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting in the Ramstein format, scheduled for February 12. For the first time, this meeting will be chaired by the United Kingdom instead of the United States. The talks also addressed direct investments from certain NATO member states in Ukraine’s domestic production of long-range drones, drawing inspiration from Denmark’s industrial support model.
Alongside this visit, Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi held a meeting with Cavo Dragone to discuss the immediate operational needs of the Ukrainian military. Syrskyi stressed the importance of maintaining a steady flow of military assistance and training from NATO allies to reinforce Ukraine’s defensive capabilities.
The production of the Peklo missile drone represents a rapid transformation within Ukraine’s defense industry, which continues to adapt to wartime constraints by developing innovative solutions and maximizing the use of local resources. Already deployed in combat, these systems are undergoing continuous improvements, particularly in electronic warfare resistance and targeting accuracy. Their role in upcoming military operations could be significant, as Ukraine enhances its long-range strike capabilities—an increasingly decisive factor in modern warfare where technological and industrial self-sufficiency play a critical role.