IRIA News

4 minute read

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a domestically produced long-range drone has completed a critical test, demonstrating the capability to fly 3,000 kilometers.

“There is good news about long-range drones. Our drone has passed a 3,000-kilometer test,” Zelenskyy said during his evening address on March 17, 2025, following a meeting of the Headquarters of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, Ukraine’s top military command body.

Ukraine has increasingly relied on long-range drones to conduct deep strikes into Russian territory, targeting strategic military infrastructure, including airfields, oil refineries, and logistics hubs. The successful test of this new drone underscores Ukraine’s growing ability to conduct such operations with greater range and precision.

With Russia maintaining extensive supply lines and military assets beyond the immediate frontline, Kyiv’s drone strategy aims to disrupt Moscow’s war machine by hitting critical nodes in its logistics network. The newly tested drone’s long flight range suggests that Ukraine will be able to reach even deeper into Russian territory than before.

Long-range missiles

Beyond drone warfare, Ukraine is also expanding its missile capabilities. During the same military briefing, officials discussed the development of a new long-range missile called the Long Neptune, which has already been integrated into Ukraine’s defense arsenal.

“We can say that we are satisfied with the results of the strikes. But we need to produce more missiles, more drones, and we will be talking about this with our partners this week,” Zelenskyy stated.

The Long Neptune missile is currently used exclusively by the Ukrainian Navy. Initially designed as an anti-ship missile, the Neptune system has been modified to strike land-based targets, increasing Ukraine’s ability to hit Russian military infrastructure beyond the front lines.

Hybrid missile-drone technology in development

In addition to conventional long-range drones and missiles, Ukraine is also developing hybrid systems that blend characteristics of both. Two such innovations, the Palianytsia and Peklo models, feature turbojet engines, allowing them to function as alternatives to traditional cruise missiles.

These hybrid systems offer several advantages. Unlike conventional missiles, drones can operate with greater flexibility, changing targets mid-flight if necessary. They are also potentially more cost-effective, enabling Ukraine to conduct sustained long-range strikes without depleting expensive missile stockpiles.

Ukraine’s production goal for 2025

President Zelenskyy has set an ambitious goal for drone production in the coming year. According to his statement, Ukraine aims to manufacture at least 30,000 long-range drones by 2025. This large-scale production effort is expected to bolster Ukraine’s ability to maintain pressure on Russian military assets far from the frontline.

To meet this target, Kyiv will likely seek increased cooperation with its Western partners, particularly in securing advanced components such as avionics, guidance systems, and turbojet engines. The need for mass production aligns with Ukraine’s broader military strategy of asymmetric warfare—leveraging high-tech, cost-effective solutions to counter Russia’s superior manpower and resources.

Strategic implications for the war

Ukraine’s advances in long-range drone and missile technology could significantly impact the war’s dynamics. With the ability to strike deep into Russian-controlled territory, Kyiv can disrupt enemy supply lines, degrade logistics hubs, and force Moscow to allocate additional air defense resources to protect its rear areas.

For Russia, these developments pose a growing challenge. While its air defenses have managed to intercept many Ukrainian drone attacks, the increasing sophistication and volume of these drones make it difficult for Russian forces to neutralize every threat.

The successful test of a Ukrainian long-range drone capable of flying 3,000 kilometers marks a major step forward in Ukraine’s defense capabilities. Combined with the ongoing development of new missile systems like the Long Neptune and hybrid drone-missile technologies, Ukraine is rapidly expanding its ability to strike Russian military assets with precision.

As Zelenskyy pushes for increased production of long-range drones and missiles, Kyiv is demonstrating its commitment to strengthening its military capabilities in the face of continued aggression. With Western support and continued innovation, Ukraine’s expanding arsenal of long-range strike weapons could play a decisive role in shaping the future of the conflict.