Why a new homegrown missile can be a game-changer for Ukraine’s fight against Russia

Subject: Sci

Sec: Defence

Context:

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the existence of a new homegrown long-range weapon, a missile-drone hybrid which can strike deep into Russia.
Named Palianytsia, the weapon was used for the first time to target a Russian military installation.

About Palianytsia:

Long-range (700 km range) missile-drone hybrid weapon, indigenously developed by Ukraine.
The missile uses a solid-fuel booster and a jet engine.

Why Ukraine needs long-range weapons?

Currently, US and other western allies provide long-range weapons to Ukraine but restrict their usage deep into Russian territory out of fears of further escalation.
According to the Institute for the Study of War, there are more than 250 significant military targets in Russia were within range of the ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile Systems) missiles, but current restrictions allow Ukraine to strike only 20 of them.

How it can be a game-changer?

The Palianytsia with a 700-km range, comparable to the ATACMS, will allow Ukraine to bypass western restrictions.
If the weapon is used to strike deep into Russian territory, Russia will be unable to produce enough air defence systems to protect such a large territory.

About Army Tactical Missile Systems:

ATACMS missile is a precision-guided, surface-to-surface missile system capable of striking targets well beyond the range of existing Army cannons, rockets, and other missiles.
It is manufactured by the US defence company Lockheed Martin.
The missile was first used during the 1991 Persian Gulf War.
Propulsion: Single-stage, solid propellant.
ATACMS missiles are fired from the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and the M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS)
It has the ability to carry cluster munitions, which destroy a targeted area by releasing hundreds of bomblets instead of a single warhead.