Volodymyr Zelensky. The Ukrainian president appeared next to a new weapon model during a speech.Image: IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire
Because of the Iran war, the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine is taking a back seat. Now Ukraine is arming itself – and unveiling a new weapon.
April 14, 2026, 3:12 p.mApril 14, 2026, 3:12 p.m
Nilofar Breuer / t-online
“Every new Ukrainian development brings us a little closer to peace.” This was the title of the Ukrainian President’s speech Volodymyr Zelenskywhich he held on Monday on the occasion of the holiday of workers in the Ukrainian defense industry. According to consistent media reports, he appeared publicly for the first time next to a new one Ukraine developed anti-aircraft missile.
As the defense portal “Defence Blog” reports, among others, several weapon systems could be seen in addition to Zelensky, including the Vilkha artillery rocket, the ground-based cruise missile Neptune, an Areion rocket drone and a previously unknown model that appeared in the video message without an official name. The Ukrainian authorities also did not provide any technical details or a name for the air defense system, the report continues.
However, previously shown exhibition models, which were presented at defense trade fairs, suggest, according to Defense Blog, that the rocket is probably the Koral model. Characteristic features of this rocket were visible in Zelensky’s video message. These included the engine, seeker head, pulse correction thrusters, inertial navigation system and a non-contact radio or laser proximity fuze.
Koral probably takes up the latest lessons in air warfare
The military portal “The War Zone” also suspects that the model presented is a Koral rocket. The authors point out that the plan to develop such a rocket has been known for some time. Specifically, the portal refers to a presentation of the Koral model by the Ukrainian defense company Luch in 2021, i.e. before the start of the Russian war of aggression in February 2022. At that point in time, there was already a need for an air defense system of this class in Ukraine, according to the report.
The company stated that the model will have a range of 30 to 50 kilometers. This information was later corrected to 100 kilometers, which means that it is no longer a medium-range missile but a long-range missile. According to “The War Zone,” Luch said at this point it weighed 300 kilograms with a 25-kilogram warhead. The speed is therefore 3,600 kilometers per hour, and the rocket can be used primarily against ballistic targets.
The capabilities of Ukraine’s defense industry mean millions of FPV drones per year, our deep strikes, our interceptors, and millions of shells. Ukraine has its own long-range missile weapons. Not just in development, but a real force already at work. Flamingo and Ruta, Peklo and… pic.twitter.com/6LCeIpIuuZ
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) April 13, 2026
According to Defense Blog, Koral could replace older Soviet-era air defense systems. In contrast to them, Koral reflects the lessons of modern air warfare. The reaction time, maneuverability and modern sensors are crucial.
Ukraine keeps Koral details secret
Ukraine has so far kept further details about the Koral rocket secret. So did Kyiv It has not yet been announced whether the rocket has gone into series production, undergone tests or is even already in operational use. The fact that Zelenskyj is now showing himself with the rocket at least indicates that the conception phase has been completed, writes “Defence Blog”.
Russia’s military has recently increased its missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure, putting a strain on available ground-based air defense systems. Given the ongoing war in the Middle East, Kiev also fears that partner countries will not be able to maintain sufficient supplies of air defense systems to Ukraine. According to “The War Zone,” it is obvious that Ukraine needs a surface-to-air missile like Koral in sufficient numbers to be able to withstand repeated Russian attacks.
Zelenskyj himself also indicated on Monday that he would continue to arm himself with his own weapons systems: “Ukraine has its own long-range missile weapons. Not just in development, but as a real commitment that is already working,” emphasized the Ukrainian President and continued: “Flamingo and Ruta, Peklo and Neptune, Palianytsia and Vilkha – we can already be proud of all of this, but we certainly won’t stop here.” These are just the first steps, says Zelensky: “The industry will grow, and the enemy will feel it.”