Ukraine tests new Ruta jet-powered missile for precision strikes against Russia.

On December 10, 2024, Ukraine announced progress in its missile and drone development programs, including the successful testing of the Ruta missile, the initiation of serial production for the Palyanytsya missile, and the first combat deployment of the Peklo missile-drone. These updates were shared by President Volodymyr Zelensky during the 2024 Borys Paton National Award ceremony, which recognized the contributions of Ukrainian scientists to the country’s defense industry, though details about their operational use have not been disclosed.
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With a range of 300 km, the jet-powered Destinus Ruta missile combines a low production cost with a significant payload capacity and speed, enabling its use in various roles such as reconnaissance, strikes, and target training. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The Ruta missile is undergoing testing, with no specific technical details disclosed by the President, the Ukrainian Armed Forces, or the company. However, it is likely the homonymous missile presented by the company Destinus at the Eurosatory 2024 defense exhibition in Paris, where it featured Ukrainian Air Force insignia. With a range of 300 km, the jet-powered Destinus Ruta missile combines a low production cost with a significant payload capacity and speed, enabling its use in various roles such as reconnaissance, strikes, and target training. With a maximum take-off mass (MTOM) not exceeding 300 kg, its design includes booster-assisted launch and parachute-assisted landing, with plans for vertical landing capabilities in future iterations. The missile’s versatility makes it a candidate for diverse operational missions.

Destinus, a privately owned company based in Switzerland and founded in 2021 by Mikhail Kokorich, a Russian national who renounced his citizenship, specializes in aerospace, defense, and energy technologies. In addition to developing the Ruta missile, Destinus has supplied Ukraine with several unmanned aerial systems, including the Lord, Ruta, and Hornet UAVs. The Lord UAV has been operational since 2023 and features a range of up to 2,000 kilometers, supporting reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and strike missions. The Ruta UAV, with a range of 300 kilometers, serves as a strike or reconnaissance drone and can also act as a target drone. The Hornet UAV, a smaller platform, is designed for intercepting drones, mapping, and serving as a telecommunications relay.

In addition to the Ruta missile, Ukraine has begun serial production of the Palyanytsya missile, a jet-powered system with an estimated range of 500–700 kilometers. This missile was introduced during Ukraine's Independence Day celebrations in August 2024 and has since been deployed for operational use. The Peklo missile-drone, capable of reaching a range of 700 kilometers, has also seen its first combat applications, with the initial batch already delivered to Ukrainian forces.

The long-range Neptune missile, originally designed as an anti-ship system, is being prepared for deployment with extended capabilities. According to Ukrainian officials, this missile is expected to contribute significantly to Ukraine's defense posture. Defense Minister Rustem Umerov has outlined plans to scale up production of missile and drone systems by 2025, with a goal of producing over 30,000 attack drones annually. Collaborative efforts with international partners, such as Lithuania, have provided additional funding for these initiatives.

Destinus has been supplying Ukraine with more than 100 large drones per month since mid-2023. The drones are dual-use, capable of civilian and military applications, and are manufactured in Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands, with future production planned in Ukraine. Destinus is also developing hypersonic hydrogen-powered systems but has focused on supporting Ukraine's immediate defense needs with existing technologies.

International assistance continues to play a crucial role in Ukraine's military efforts. The United States has approved the use of Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) by Ukraine for operations within Russian-controlled areas, marking a significant adjustment in military aid policies. Sweden has also announced financial support to facilitate the mass production of long-range missiles and drones in Ukraine, emphasizing international collaboration to bolster Ukraine's manufacturing capabilities for advanced systems.