Espreso. Global
Exclusive

Peklo drone-missile is pragmatic wartime hybrid: Defense Express on its advantages

Sofia Polonska
17 December, 2024 Tuesday
21:10

The drone-missile Peklo, which means "hell" in Ukrainian, is a full-fledged cruise missile, albeit smaller than the Tomahawk or Storm Shadow / SCALP missiles

client/title.list_title

This was stated by military expert, editor-in-chief of Defense Express Oleg Katkov on the air of the Espreso TV channel.

"Its length is approximately 2.2 m. The Peklo drone-missile has a smaller warhead, with a declared flight range of 700 km. To put that in perspective: the distance to Moscow is 500 km, so 700 km is a significant flight range. Cruise missiles fly a complex route to avoid air defenses, so the actual depth of impact may be different. The materials used, such as aluminum with rivets for the body, indicate a pragmatic approach. A fixed wing instead of a folding mechanism is also a pragmatic choice. This allows the missile to be launched from improvised launchers, as Iran does," he said.

Read also Defense Express: Peklo cruise missile combines low cost, high efficiency

The missile is intended for mass production and has solutions typical of wartime, says Katkov.

"The fact that the engine is mounted on top of the hull has made it possible to reduce its length and simplify installation. This solution contributes to the scaling of the production of such weapons. The declared speed of 700 km/h is sufficient for such jet aircraft. The warhead, according to various estimates, can weigh about 50 kg," he added.

Ukraine has only just begun serial production of such weapons, and there is still a lot of work ahead. Thanks to such cruise missiles, much more effective results can be achieved than with the help of propeller drones.

"Russia has adapted to Ukraine's use of drones, protecting oil refineries and oil depots with special fire groups. They use metal cables and cages to protect against drones, but this is ineffective against cruise missiles flying at a speed of 700 km/h," the military expert noted.

The Peklo drone-missile is not an aircraft munition, so it can be launched from ground-based improvised launchers. This is a great advantage, as it does not require the use of appropriate aircraft, which still need to be based: "It would be desirable to have a Ukrainian air-launched cruise missile, but this would require many years and billions of dollars," Katkov added.

  • The Defense Forces of Ukraine have already received over several dozen Peklo  drone-missiles, which the Ukrainian manufacturer created in record time — in a year.
Tags:
Read also:
  • News
2025, Wednesday
5 February
10:50
Oil depot in Russia’s Krasnodar region catches fire after drone attack
10:31
Exclusive
Russia likely increases Shahed drone warhead to 90kg — Kharkiv official
10:13
Over 45,000 Ukrainian soldiers killed in war with Russia — Zelenskyy
09:55
Russia loses 1,140 soldiers, 52 artillery systems, 9 tanks in one day of war in Ukraine
09:36
Updated
Russian ballistic missile strike on Ukraine’s Izyum kills 5, injures 55
2025, Tuesday
4 February
21:45
Gimli robotic complex joins Ukraine's army, aiding in evacuation and resupply
21:30
Exclusive
When could Ukraine hold elections after the war? Lawyer explains
21:12
Ryanair plans to resume flights to Lviv, Kyiv 4-6 weeks after war ends
20:57
Black Sea tankers wreck: IMO holds Russia responsible
20:40
"Don't let them drain resources": military commander reacts to Trump
20:23
Polish Military Institute of Armament Technology, Ukrainian NAUDI agree to cooperate
20:07
Exclusive
USAID funding freeze: Expert Riabtsev on potential risks for Ukraine’s energy sector
19:51
Exclusive
Trump's proposal to get rare metals from Ukraine is political move – analyst
19:35
"We are open to U.S. investments": Zelenskyy responds to Trump's statement on rare earth elements
19:08
Ukraine to introduce mandatory psychological aid training for doctors – First Lady
18:50
Exclusive
Ukrainian forces may have to withdraw from Chasiv Yar – military analyst
18:33
Von der Leyen urges EU to find "most creative way" to use Russian assets for Ukraine
18:15
Exclusive
Western weapons can now strike deep into Russia, but new problem emerges
17:54
U.S., Ukraine did not discuss elections before 2025 — Ambassador Markarova
17:34
Updated
"The situation is critical": IAEA chief visits key substations vital for Ukraine's nuclear power plants
17:14
Russian national hockey team banned from 2026 World Championship
16:55
Ukraine’s HIV response at risk amid U.S. aid freeze
16:33
Support for military aid to Ukraine declines in Poland
16:15
Russia equips Gerbera foam drones with warheads
15:56
Ukraine’s parliament approves defense loan agreement with UK
15:32
Ukrainian troops release GoPro footage of repelling Russian assault, eliminating two squads
15:14
OPINION
Ukraine’s power sector withstands winter challenges, but risks remain
14:55
Ukraine’s embassy facilitates meetings between Zelenskyy, Trump teams — Ambassador
14:33
Hopes for Russian democracy met harsh reality – Ex-MP Kendzior on Ukrainian diaspora in 1990s
13:57
Review
Russian advance slows down, how Ukrainian Armed Forces approaches change. Serhiy Zgurets' column
13:35
U.S. firefighters document impact of Russian strikes in Ukraine, set to release second film
13:16
Exclusive
Ukraine takes key step in reforming Armed Forces management system – military expert
12:55
Norway provides significant aid to Ukraine but profits from war-driven revenues
12:34
Exclusive
Ukraine Russia war live map, January 15-22
Russian forces scale back assaults in Pokrovsk sector: Ukrainian officer explains why
12:14
Exclusive
Ukraine Russia war live map, January 22-29
Russian forces pushing to launch battle for Kostiantynivka, Donetsk region
11:51
Ukraine retakes positions in Kupyansk, Russian command threatens troops with execution for retreating
11:32
OPINION
Where will Putin and Trump meet?
11:15
North Korean troops no longer fighting in Russia’s Kursk region — South Korean intel
10:53
110 clashes reported at front as Russian forces launch over 6,000 attacks on Ukraine
10:34
Russian army continues to suffer heavy losses despite slowing offensive – ISW
More news