Vice-minister of National Defense of Lithuania, Monika Koroliovienė, has promised Ukraine to allocate EUR 10 million for the production of the Palianytsia “rocket drone” weapon system, reads an official message from the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense.
The financing will be provided according to the “Danish model” meaning that Lithuania will procure equipment from Ukrainian manufacturers for the Ukrainian military.
Palianytsia is one of Ukraine’s indigenous long-range attack weapons, essentially a suicide drone with an explosive warhead and a jet engine, which makes them practically proto-cruise missiles. It is assumed that these drones could be responsible for the strike on the russian ammo dump in Toropets on September 18, the largest one attacked to date.
The specifications are classified but indirect data suggests that this ground-launched weapon can cover distances up to 750 km and is equipped with a turbojet engine, ensuring speeds between 500 to 950 km/h (310–590 mph), approximately.
The financing mechanisms of the Lithuanian-Ukrainian agreement and nuances of implementation were discussed between representatives from defense ministries of both countries. More detailed arrangements will probably be announced during the visit by Lithuanian Minister of Defense Laurynas Kasčiūnas, expected in the near future.
Spokesman from the Ukrainian side, Deputy Minister of Defense Serhii Boiev, assured that shortly “investments based on the example of the ‘Danish model’ will be working much faster, and the enemy will soon see the consequences.”
Palianytsia rocket drone / Illustrative render credit: United24Media
The “Danish model,” is the new trend that Denmark initiated when it became the first partner of Ukraine to finance production of weapons for the needs of Ukrainian military from Ukraine’s domestic industry. Copenhagen purchased 18 units of 2S22 Bohdana self-propelled artillery systems which were delivered almost immediately — just two months after the order was placed.
Additionally, Denmark has further allocated 1.2 billion Danish crowns (USD 174.35 million) to produce more Bohdana self-propelled guns and is planning to purchase Ukrainian weapons funded by 190 million of windfall profits from frozen russian assets.
Read more: Pros and Cons of Rocket Drones Over Ordinary UAVs: Palianytsia vs. Shahed