- Ukraine unveiled a top-secret underground facility producing Peklo missiles, a drone-missile hybrid with a range of 700 kilometers. These missiles were used against Russian oil refineries and key targets far from Ukraine.
- NATO funding played a significant role in Ukraine’s weapons development, helping revive its domestic arms industry and strengthening its defense capabilities.
- Despite U.S. plans for ceasefire negotiations, tensions remain high, and Ukraine is likely to continue developing advanced weaponry to deter future Russian aggression.
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Earlier this month, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy unveiled a top-secret underground missile production facility producing scores of Peklo missiles. Peklo is the Ukrainian word for “hell.”
Peklos are a drone-missile hybrid. The munition was unveiled last year, with the first batch delivered in December. Since then, Ukraine has used it against Russian oil refineries and other targets far from the Ukrainian homeland.
What are the Peklo’s capabilities?
Peklos can strike targets up to 700 kilometers away at a speed of 700 kilometers per hour.
In non-metric terms, a Peklo can deliver its payload to a range of about 434 miles — further than the U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles and the U.K.-supplied Storm Shadows.
Ukraine’s minister for strategic industries said the Peklo is also effective against Russian electronic warfare capabilities and jamming. Future iterations of the weapon will feature enhanced warheads and upgraded guidance systems.
NATO’s role in Ukraine’s arsenal
Ukraine’s underground missile facility was revealed during a tour for Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, the NATO Military Committee chairman. NATO funding made much of the deep-strike drone development possible.
Ukraine was one of the main weapons manufacturers in the old Soviet Union, and the current war with Russia has reignited the country’s domestic weapons production industry.
Ukraine’s deputy minister of strategic industries expressed gratitude for NATO’s support and emphasized that Ukraine’s defense manufacturing industry has many smart power solutions to offer. He also welcomed further cooperation to build the “arsenal of the free world.”
Ceasefire talks and the future of the war in Ukraine
President Donald Trump announced plans to start ceasefire negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, but those talks have not yet begun. U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth also noted that it is unlikely a peace deal can be reached that would return Ukraine and Russia to their 2014 borders.
Even if a ceasefire is reached, tensions will remain high. Ukraine will want to ensure that Russia is not in a position to invade again — or at least deter such future actions.