Europe moves to replace Trump-backed missiles with new EU project
Ruta Block 2 missile (Photo: Destinus)
The German defense giant Rheinmetall is launching its own cruise missile production together with the company Destinus. This will help Europe close gaps in its defense following the shift in US policy, according to the Financial Times.
The project has been named Rheinmetall Destinus Strike Systems. Production is planned to begin in late 2026 or early 2027.
The specialists will focus on cruise missiles and ballistic artillery. The main goal is to meet the needs of German and international clients. The new Ruta Block 2 missile will be capable of striking targets at a range of over 700 km.
This is less than the range of American Tomahawk missiles, but Europe needs its own resource. According to a report by European military officials, Russia produces 1,100 cruise missiles per year, while the European Union currently produces only 300 units.
"Trump factor" decided everything
The rapid development of Europe's defense industry began amid the volatile policies of US President Donald Trump regarding EU and NATO defense. Europeans do not want to risk their own security, and the war in Iran has proven that US arsenals are not unlimited.
Thus, Germany and other countries have stepped up the development of their own capabilities. Rheinmetall is entering the cruise missile niche for the first time. Previously, this sector was dominated by the pan-European group MBDA.
Company history and the Ukrainian connection
The missile's name is no coincidence, as one of the executives of the Dutch company Destinus is Ukrainian.
The startup itself was founded back in 2021 by a former Russian physicist, Mikhail Kokorich. In 2011, he had already founded a private space company, Dauria, in Russia, but was forced to emigrate to the United States just a year later. There, he created the companies Astro Digital and Momentus, which worked with the Pentagon.
In 2023, Oleksandr Danylyuk joined the team. The former Ukrainian finance minister became senior vice president for defense.
Destinus is already helping the Armed Forces of Ukraine — supplying cruise missiles and drones to Ukraine. As a result, the Russian Ministry of Defense has added the company to its list of potential targets.
Drone components are produced outside Switzerland, while the equipment itself is assembled directly in Ukraine.
What else is new about Rheinmetall
The German giant has set its sights on a port in Romania. The company wants to strengthen its position in the Black Sea and, to this end, plans to acquire the Mangalia shipyard in Romania to expand its maritime production.
Rheinmetall has also unveiled a drone that could already be secretly fighting in Ukraine. The FV-014 unmanned aerial vehicle can strike targets at a range of up to 100 km.
Additionally, this company has secured a plot of land in Ukraine for the construction of a weapons plant, where it plans to manufacture ammunition and armored vehicles.
