What We Know So Far About the ‘Ruta’ Drone

A new missile is being successfully tested in Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced speaking at the ceremony for the Boris Paton National Prize honoring Ukrainian scientists December 10.

The domestically produced missile, called ‘Ruta,’ was highlighted by Zelenskyy as a symbol of Ukraine’s technological progress.

“Ukrainian missiles and drones were once the stuff of science fiction, but today, they are a reality,” he said.

"This is all Ukrainian production," stated Zelenskyy. "It is actively used both on the frontlines and behind enemy lines, providing strength and protection for Ukraine and its people."

While the President refrained from providing additional details about the Ruta missile, reports suggest it could be linked to a missile showcased earlier this year.

In June, at the Eurosatory 2024 exhibition in Paris, a missile named Ruta was displayed at Ukraine’s booth, bearing insignia of the Ukrainian Air Force. The missile, developed by the European aerospace company Destinus, could potentially be the one now undergoing successful tests in Ukraine.

Destinus, founded in Switzerland in 2021, specializes in aerospace, defense, and energy technologies. The company is led by Mikhail Kokorich, a former Russian citizen who renounced his Russian nationality.

The Ruta missile stands out for its combination of low cost, payload capacity, and speed, making it an ideal tool for various mission profiles. It launches using a booster and can land with the aid of parachutes if needed.