GPS-free and jam-resistant: Ukrainian Ruta missile drone upgrades to new guidance system
Illustrative photo: Ukraine's Ruta missile drone will be switched to a new guidance system (militarnyi.com)
Ukrainian Ruta cruise missile drone will be equipped with a new visual navigation system. It will allow accurate targeting even in the complete absence of satellite navigation, reports Defense Express.
The new navigation system will be provided by the Spanish company UAV Navigation, which is part of the defense concern Grupo Oesía. The system has already been tested in combat conditions and has likely already been used in Ukraine.
The new navigation will allow flying at low altitudes and is also responsible for guidance at the terminal stage of the flight.
What kind of navigation system is that?
According to media reports, it is a visual navigation system of the DSMAC type. It is based on the comparison of real terrain images with reference maps.
Typically, such technologies are used in full-fledged cruise missiles. The development of digital technologies has made it possible to reduce the size and cost of these technologies for smaller platforms.
About Ruta missile drone
Ruta was developed by Destinus company. It is often classified as a missile drone considering its compact size and functional features. Its use first became known in late 2024, when Ruta was tested on the battlefield.
Destinus was also likely to supply Ukraine with Lord rotorcraft with a range of 750 to 2000 km.
Ruta can cover up to 300 km, and its payload, although not disclosed, could be tens or about a hundred kilograms, according to analysts.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine had successfully tested a new missile of its own production, called Ruta. Production of other missiles is also underway.
Read more about what the new Ukrainian weapon is capable of in RBC-Ukraine's article.
