Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced the successful test of the country’s first domestically produced ballistic missile, marking a significant milestone in Ukraine's defense capabilities.
A Succesful Test
The announcement was made during a press conference in Kyiv on Tuesday, just days after Zelensky praised the development of a new long-range missile drone named "Palianiția."
"Congratulations to our defense industry for the successful test of Ukraine's first ballistic missile," Zelensky said according to digi24.
He refrained from providing specific details about the missile, emphasizing the strategic importance of maintaining operational security.
Ballistic missiles, by definition, follow a trajectory primarily influenced by gravity and the initial propulsion impulse, making them a crucial component of a nation's defense arsenal.
Used in Combat
In addition to the ballistic missile, Zelensky highlighted the deployment of the "Palianiția" missile drone, which has already seen combat use. Named after a traditional Ukrainian bread, the drone has been developed to counter Russia's offensive capabilities.
"Yesterday marked the first successful combat use of our new weapon," Zelensky shared on social media, though he once again withheld further information.
Despite these successes, Zelensky acknowledged that Ukraine’s defense industry still heavily relies on Western aid due to limited domestic resources.
Zelensky also reiterated his commitment to boosting Ukraine’s drone production, aiming to manufacture a million drones by 2024 to support the military’s needs on the battlefield.
