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SPEED VS. SCALE ⟩ How Ukraine’s Palianytsia Stacks Up Against Iran’s Shahed-136

Photo: kaader videost / United24
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced over the weekend in a national address the completion of a new long-range missile drone developed domestically. The new weapon, named Palianytsia—after the traditional Ukrainian bread—was reportedly developed in less than 18 months.

A legend associated with Ukraine's traditional loaf of bread has circulated since the early days of the war: the word "palianytsia" was reportedly used to identify Russian spies in Ukraine, as linguistic peculiarities made it difficult for Russian speakers to pronounce correctly. Thus, the name is considered fitting for a swift and far-reaching missile drone aimed at Russia.

According to the limited information released, the new weapon's range is sufficient to reach airfields on Russian territory, which are key military targets for Ukraine. The new drone was allegedly used for the first time on Saturday, August 24th, coinciding with Ukraine's Independence Day.

Given the highly classified nature of this weapon, few technical details have been disclosed, aside from some 3D images and computer renderings. It is also unknown how many of these drones Ukraine has built or how many it plans to produce in the future.

Specifically Designed to Strike Russian Targets

The new Palianytsia drone is reportedly capable of hitting around twenty major Russian military targets located closer to Ukraine. The aircraft is launched from a ground-based platform and is equipped with turbojet engines. Additionally, it is claimed that the cost of this weapon is significantly lower than that of conventional long-range missiles.

The power source of the new missile drone looks as briefly glimpsed in a United24 video.
The power source of the new missile drone looks as briefly glimpsed in a United24 video. Photo: kaader videost / United24

Zelensky announced on Facebook that over the past two and a half years, Russia has attacked Ukraine with approximately 10,000 missiles and more than 33,000 cruise missiles. To stop the assaults on Ukrainian cities, it is now essential to target the carriers of these weapons—Russian aircraft stationed at military airfields.

"Yesterday marked the first successful combat use of our new weapon—the Ukrainian long-range missile drone, Palianytsia. It is designed to destroy the enemy's offensive capabilities. The production of these drones is increasing, just as our production of long-range attack drones has grown, whose effectiveness we witness almost daily," the president told in his Sunday's address.

Everything is Classified

The new missile drone has been developed as part of Ukraine's latest initiative to promote domestic drone research and development. This initiative includes providing grants to private companies, increasing funding for state-owned design bureaus, and reducing regulatory constraints in the sector.

The newly developed weapon emerged from Ukraine's pressing need, as foreign-supplied arms cannot be freely used against targets on Russian territory. This development now offers Ukraine the ability to defend itself while overcoming the restrictions imposed by foreign suppliers.

Nearly all critical information about the new drone is classified, but some details have nonetheless been published.
Nearly all critical information about the new drone is classified, but some details have nonetheless been published. Photo: kaader videost / United24

In a speech, President Zelensky confirmed that the Palianytsia drone was used for the first time to strike Russian military positions during Ukraine's Independence Day celebrations, according to the Kyiv Independent.

Zelensky described it as a groundbreaking weapon, stating, "It's difficult for Russia even to pronounce what hit them. This drone is hard to intercept but very easy to understand why it was sent."

A recently released video mentions that nearly all information about Palianytsia is classified, but a few new details have emerged. It is known that the powerful jet-engine-equipped weapon will need to be countered deep within Russia's interior, requiring the use of expensive air defense systems that have largely been deployed closer to the front lines.

The United24 video also notes that the drone is equipped with satellite connections and ground-based navigation, making it resistant to electronic jamming. Compared to conventional missiles, the Palianytsia drone has the advantage of much higher speed and a significantly greater payload of explosives, capable of being delivered over long distances.

Iranian domestically built drone Shahed 136.
Iranian domestically built drone Shahed 136. Photo: Sobhan Farajvan/PACIFIC P/SIPA

Ukraine's Palianytsia vs. Iran's Shahed-136

The jet-powered Palianytsia drone offers Ukraine’s defense forces several key advantages, including greater speed, precision, and striking power, making it an effective weapon against strategic targets such as military airfields, ammunition depots, and oil storage facilities.

Palianytsia is closer to cruise missiles (in speed and accuracy), while Shahed is akin to standard UAVs—unmanned aerial vehicles (cheap and simple).

However, its higher production costs and more complex technology are significant limitations when it comes to mass production.

In contrast, Iran’s Shahed drones are cheaper and simpler to produce, but their lower speed and reduced striking power make them less effective against high-value targets.

Palianytsia is better suited for quick, precise strikes, while Shahed drones are more effective for large-scale, cost-efficient mass attacks.

Differences between the Ukrainian-missile drone and the internal combustion engine drone:

Engine Type: Turbojet vs. internal combustion engine, speed of 400–900 km/h vs. Shahed's 100–200 km/h.

Range: Approximately 750 km vs. Shahed's 2500 km.

Accuracy: High (faster response time and smaller detection window) compared to Shahed, which is slower and more easily targeted by basic weapons.

Purpose: Rapid strikes on critical targets vs. long-range attacks at a lower cost and in large quantities.

Payload: Up to 500 kg of explosives vs. up to 20 kg of explosives on Shahed.

Production Costs: Higher than Shahed's, due to more complex technology and materials.

Production Volume: Ukrainian production capacity is currently smaller, due to unstable physical environment and cost and complexity. Shahed's are more easily mass produced.

Maneuverability: Palianytsia absolutely destroys Shahed when it comes to maneuvers.

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