FEINDEF 2025: Spain signs agreement to produce Ruta missiles used by Ukraine to expand long-range strike capabilities.

On May 13, 2025, Destinus, a European aerospace company involved in the development of advanced propulsion and dual-use aerial systems, and Grupo Oesía, a Spanish multinational engineering and digital technology firm, formalized a strategic technology partnership during the FEINDEF 2025 exhibition. The agreement focuses on the joint development, production, and commercialization of long-range surface-to-surface missile systems. The Ruta, developed by Destinus and already operational, is the first missile to be covered by the agreement. It incorporates a guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) system entirely developed and integrated in Spain by UAV Navigation, a subsidiary of Grupo Oesía. The system is positioned as a tool designed for deterrence and deployment in multi-domain combat scenarios.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

The agreement between Destinus and Grupo Oesía aims to further adapt the Ruta missile to the requirements of the Spanish Armed Forces and expand its deployment to international users. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The Ruta long-range surface-to-surface missile is sometimes described as a jet-powered, multi-role, turbojet unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that can be classified as a loitering munition. Its design includes a cylindrical fuselage, detachable wings, and a turbojet engine. It is launched using a rocket-assisted takeoff method and has been developed for operation in contested and GNSS-denied environments. The airframe includes modular components: an interchangeable payload bay, an internal modular fuel tank, avionics and electronic warfare subsystems, and detachable wings for ease of storage and transport. Terminal optical guidance, autonomous flight capabilities, and coordinated swarm functions are integrated into the system. The missile achieves a cruise speed of Mach 0.8 and a maximum range of 500 kilometers. The terminal accuracy is stated as 15 m² CEP.

The guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) system integrated into the missile has been designed and validated by UAV Navigation–Grupo Oesía. It is based on proprietary Spanish technology and includes systems for autonomous navigation, target-referenced mission execution, and final terminal engagement under jamming or spoofing. The system has been tested and validated in operational combat environments. The agreement between Destinus and Grupo Oesía aims to further adapt the Ruta missile to the requirements of the Spanish Armed Forces and expand its deployment to international users. The collaboration is supported by Spain’s Ministry of Defense within NATO-aligned cooperation mechanisms. It includes provisions to increase the participation of Spanish companies in the manufacturing of critical subsystems and key components.

Statements made by representatives of the involved companies frame the agreement as part of a broader effort to strengthen Spain’s participation in the European defense industrial base. Luis Furnells, President and CEO of Grupo Oesía, stated that the agreement advances the firm’s role as a primary partner in missile system development, working with Destinus. Mikhail Kokorich, founder of Destinus, indicated that the cooperation allows for the rapid development of systems in response to requirements identified during recent conflicts. Plácido Márquez, CEO of Destinus Spain, explained that the model combines vertical integration with cooperation on airborne systems with potential applicability beyond national boundaries.

As previously reported by Army Recognition, the Ruta missile has been delivered to Ukrainian forces and was tested in combat conditions. On December 10, 2024, President Volodymyr Zelensky referenced the missile in the context of Ukraine’s domestic development of strike systems. Although operational details were not provided, the missile had previously been presented at the Eurosatory 2024 exhibition with Ukrainian Air Force insignia. Observers identified the airframe on display as corresponding to the Ruta platform developed by Destinus, featuring a cylindrical structure, fixed wing configuration, and three rear control surfaces. Destinus has confirmed it supplies Ukraine with several UAV platforms, including the Lord, Ruta, and Hornet systems.

The Ruta is capable of subsonic low-altitude flight and can be configured for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, emergency cargo delivery, and target drone training, in addition to strike operations. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The missile version deployed in Ukraine is reported to have a range of 300 kilometers. It has been described as a platform combining subsonic flight and low production cost with operational flexibility. Destinus has supplied more than 100 drones per month to Ukraine since mid-2023. These systems are manufactured in Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands, with plans for production inside Ukraine. The Ruta drone, in its reconnaissance variant, includes a parachute-assisted landing system and can be reused. A version with vertical landing capability is under development. All current systems use parachutes and deployable airbags for recovery. The Lord UAV, also in service, has a reported range of 2,000 kilometers and is used for reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and strike missions. The Hornet UAV is intended for drone interception, mapping, and telecommunications relay roles.

The Ruta subsystems include several modular components designed for adaptability. The payload section is replaceable depending on mission requirements. Avionics include subsystems designed for navigation and electronic warfare resistance. The aircraft’s airframe includes a turbojet engine and booster-assisted launch mechanism. Maximum takeoff mass does not exceed 300 kilograms, and the overall length and wingspan are reported as 3.93 meters and 2.25 meters, respectively. The system is capable of subsonic low-altitude flight and can be configured for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, emergency cargo delivery, and target drone training, in addition to strike operations.

Destinus, established in 2021 by Mikhail Kokorich, was originally headquartered in Switzerland and now operates from France. It maintains facilities in Madrid, Munich, and Hengelo. The company develops dual-use technologies including aerial platforms and propulsion systems. It has also publicized work on hydrogen-powered hypersonic aircraft. The supply of missile and UAV systems to Ukraine has contributed to Destinus’ operational revenue. In 2023, the company reported earnings of under €20 million and projected a significantly higher turnover for 2024.

At the FEINDEF 2025 exhibition, Destinus and Grupo Oesía jointly presented the Ruta missile and its subsystems. Promotional material outlined the technical structure of the system, including its detachable wings, turbojet propulsion, avionics, and modular payload integration. The platform was promoted as an operationally validated system combining subsonic speed, low observable altitude profiles, and terminal strike accuracy with cost-efficiency. The missile’s dimensions, propulsion, and navigation architecture were disclosed alongside its application in contested electromagnetic environments. Statements from Destinus also suggested potential future improvements to the missile's recovery systems and additional variants optimized for swarm coordination and autonomous engagement.

The Ruta's airframe includes modular components: an interchangeable payload bay, an internal modular fuel tank, avionics and electronic warfare subsystems, and detachable wings for ease of storage and transport. (Picture source: Army Recognition)