Ukraine’s New ‘Pelican’ Weapon: What It Is and Why It Matters
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that a new weapon, dubbed the Pelican, was used in a large‑scale strike on Russia. Analysts debate whether the Pelican is a tactical ballistic missile or a drone, with some linking it to Ukraine’s FP‑7 missile system. The weapon’s deployment reflect…
By Felo News Desk · Published
On Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that a new weapon, the Pelican, had been employed in a large‑scale strike on Russia. The announcement came amid a series of long‑range attacks on Moscow’s region that the president said had a “very significant impact.” Zelenskyy posted the details on X, noting that the attack targeted one of Russia’s key oil facilities and a logistics hub, both of which are vital to the country’s war effort.
What Is the Pelican?
The Pelican’s exact nature remains unclear. Military analysts are divided on whether it is a tactical ballistic missile or an aircraft‑type drone. Some Ukrainian media outlets, including The Kyiv Post, have linked the Pelican to the FP‑7 missile system developed by the defense firm Fire Point. The FP‑7 is a ground‑launched tactical ballistic missile capable of striking targets up to 200 km (125 miles) away and carrying a warhead weighing up to 150 kg. It can reach speeds of 1,500 m/s and is reportedly cheaper than U.S. Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS).
Fire Point’s CEO, Iryna Terekh, said the FP‑7 could be deployed against Russia in weeks, and the company’s founder, Denys Shtilerman, has highlighted its cost advantages. However, no official confirmation has yet linked the FP‑7 to the Pelican. The Ukrainian company has also applied to register the Pelican trademark, adding to the speculation that the name may refer to a new missile platform.
Conversely, RBC‑Ukraine cited unnamed sources that described the Pelican as an aircraft‑type drone. Al Jazeera could not independently verify either claim, leaving the true nature of the Pelican open to interpretation.
Ukraine’s Growing Domestic Arms Production
Ukraine’s defense industry has expanded dramatically in recent months. In February, the Ministry of Defense reported a 50‑fold increase in production capacity, reaching $50 bn. Domestic manufacturers now supply more than half of the Armed Forces’ equipment needs. Zelenskyy highlighted this growth on X, praising developers and manufacturers for scaling up the weapons required for Ukraine’s defense.
In addition to missiles, Ukraine has advanced its drone capabilities. The security service’s counter‑intelligence unit has developed a new interceptor drone that has reportedly destroyed more than 70 % of Iranian‑made Shahed attack drones in February, according to former Commander‑in‑Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. These interceptors have attracted interest from Gulf states facing Iranian drone threats.
Recent Intensification of Attacks on Russia
Both sides have stepped up attacks on each other’s infrastructure. Ukraine has repeatedly targeted Russian logistics hubs, oil facilities, and even warehouses belonging to the e‑commerce giant Wildberries. These strikes aim to disrupt Moscow’s supply chains and weaken the Russian economy.
The Sunday attack that included the Pelican coincided with the final day of Russia’s parliamentary elections, during which at least three people were killed. Moscow’s mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, reported that more than 1,600 drones were intercepted, 450 of them heading toward the capital.
U.S. President Donald Trump also called Zelenskyy on Sunday, urging him to stop attacking Russian refineries due to concerns about global diesel shortages and rising fuel prices.
What Comes Next?
Ukraine’s use of the Pelican marks a potential new chapter in its offensive capabilities. If the weapon proves to be a tactical ballistic missile, it could extend Ukraine’s reach further into Russian territory. If it is a drone, it may represent a new class of unmanned aerial vehicles for precision strikes.
The international community will likely monitor how the Pelican is employed in future operations and whether it alters the balance of power on the battlefield. Meanwhile, Russia will need to adapt its air defense and counter‑strike strategies to mitigate the threat posed by this new weapon.
As the conflict continues to evolve, the deployment of the Pelican underscores Ukraine’s determination to innovate and sustain its military advantage amid mounting challenges.
Key facts
- Ukraine announced the use of a new weapon called the Pelican in a recent strike on Russia.
- There is uncertainty whether the Pelican is a tactical ballistic missile or an aircraft‑type drone.
- Ukraine’s domestic weapons production has expanded significantly, meeting over half of the armed forces’ needs.
- Recent attacks target Russian oil facilities, logistics hubs, and e‑commerce warehouses.
- The Pelican could extend Ukraine’s offensive reach and force Russia to adapt its defenses.
Why it matters
The Pelican represents a potential shift in Ukraine’s offensive capabilities, highlighting the country’s growing self‑reliance in defense technology and its impact on the strategic balance in the conflict.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Pelican?
The Pelican is a newly announced weapon used by Ukraine, whose exact nature—missile or drone—is still under debate.
Is the Pelican related to the FP‑7 missile?
Some Ukrainian media link the Pelican to the FP‑7 tactical ballistic missile, but no official confirmation has been made.
How has Ukraine’s weapons production changed?
Ukraine’s defense industry has expanded 50‑fold in capacity, now supplying more than half of the armed forces’ equipment.
What impact could the Pelican have on the conflict?
If it is a missile, it could extend Ukraine’s strike range; if a drone, it could add a new precision strike capability.
Sources
- [1] aljazeera.com — originally reported as “Is it a missile? Is it a drone? What’s the Pelican used by Ukraine?”
