Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has presented a top-secret underground missile production facility to NATO Military Committee Chairman Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, revealing the development and deployment of the country’s latest unmanned self-propelled guided missile, known as the “Peklo.”
The missile, also referred to as a “drone-missile,” represents Ukraine’s expanding domestic defense industry amid its ongoing war with Russia.
The Peklo missile, capable of striking targets up to 700 kilometers away at a speed of 700 km/h, first became publicly known in December 2024 when Zelensky handed over an initial batch to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Since then, it has demonstrated its effectiveness in real combat, targeting and disabling key Russian military and oil infrastructure facilities.
Ukraine’s Minister for Strategic Industries, Herman Smetanin, emphasized that the Peklo missile has already proven resistant to Russian electronic warfare systems. Future iterations are expected to feature enhanced warheads and upgraded guidance systems. He also confirmed that production is ramping up, with NATO financial support playing a crucial role in sustaining and expanding Ukraine’s missile and drone capabilities.
“Deep-strike drones and drone missiles are unique types of weaponry developed in Ukraine. We showed these products to Giuseppe Cavo Dragone and met with the production workers,” said Ganna Gvozdiar, Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Strategic Industries. “We are grateful for all the support our NATO partners have been providing in these challenging times of our fight for freedom, and we appreciate the great interest in our defense industry achievements. The Ukrainian defense manufacturing industry has a lot to offer in terms of smart power solutions and is always open to cooperation to build the Arsenal of the Free World.”
The unveiling of the Peklo missile program is a significant step in Ukraine’s strategy to counter Russian military dominance and sustain pressure on critical Russian infrastructure. In recent months, Ukraine has successfully targeted multiple Russian oil refineries and storage facilities, disrupting the Kremlin’s energy sector and forcing Moscow to divert extensive resources to bolster its air defenses.
Beyond its military effectiveness, the Peklo missile underscores Ukraine’s growing self-sufficiency in arms production.
The NATO delegation’s visit signals the alliance’s keen interest in Ukraine’s technological advancements and its potential role in reinforcing European defense capabilities.