Share Source: RBC Ukraine
Ukraine will become a platform for testing and producing the new long-range missile RUTA Block 3. Its flight tests are planned for 2027.
Key points:
- Ukraine will become a testing and production platform for the new cruise missile RUTA Block 3 with a range of up to 2000 km.
- Flight tests are scheduled for 2027, and production will be distributed among the Netherlands, Ukraine, and Germany.
Ukraine to become a testing ground for the new RUTA Block 3 missile
This was announced by the company Destinus together with partner Rheinmetall.
RUTA Block 3 is a new cruise missile with a range of up to 2000 km. It is built on the existing architecture of the RUTA family, which has gone from combat use to serial production.
Flight tests are scheduled for 2027.
Production is distributed among several countries:
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The Netherlands is the main engineering and production center, where serial production of the RUTA family is already established.
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Ukraine will participate in development, operational testing of Block 3, and manufacturing of key components.
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Germany, through the joint venture Rheinmetall Destinus Strike Systems, will ensure serial production, certification, and final integration for the Bundeswehr and other customers.
Production of Block 1 and Block 2 is planned to start at the Rheinmetall facility in Unterlüss in 2026-2027, and Block 3 after the completion of flight tests and certification.
Previous versions are already in production:
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RUTA Block 1 is serially produced in the Netherlands.
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RUTA Block 2 was developed with the support of the Ukrainian platform Brave1 and is currently undergoing flight tests in Ukraine. Scaling up its production is planned for 2026.
The missile will be equipped with a new-generation turbofan engine – the enlarged Destinus T220, which is currently in the design phase. The warhead will weigh 250 kg.
The system will feature autonomous navigation for operation in areas where the GPS signal is jammed, as well as terminal guidance to the target.
The program aims to transition European long-range strike capabilities from limited stockpiles to stable industrial production.
All development, production, and export activities will be carried out in accordance with current national and European legislation, export control regulations, and with the necessary government permits.
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