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

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.