Ukraine to test new RUTA missile with 2,000 km range
Photo: A rocket capable of reaching 2,000 km with Ukrainian involvement—what is known about Block 3 from Destinus (destinus.com)
Ukraine will serve as a testing and production site for the new RUTA Block 3 long-range missile. Flight tests are scheduled for as early as 2027, according to Destinus in collaboration with its partner Rheinmetall.
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RUTA Block 3
RUTA Block 3 is a new cruise missile with a range of up to 2,000 km. It is based on the existing architecture of the RUTA family, which has progressed from combat use to serial production.
Flight tests are scheduled for 2027.
Production is distributed among several countries:
- The Netherlands is the main engineering and manufacturing center, where serial production of the RUTA family is already underway.
- Ukraine's participation in the development, operational testing of Block 3, and manufacturing of key components.
- Germany's Rheinmetall Destinus Strike Systems joint venture will handle serial production, certification, and final integration for the Bundeswehr and other customers.
Production of Block 1 and Block 2 is scheduled to begin at the Rheinmetall site in Unterlüsse in 2026–2027, with Block 3 to follow after the completion of flight testing and certification.
Previous versions are already in production
RUTA Block 1 is being mass-produced in the Netherlands.
RUTA Block 2 was developed with the support of the Ukrainian Brave1 platform and is currently undergoing flight testing in Ukraine. Scaling up its production is planned for 2026.
The missile will be equipped with a new-generation turbojet engine, an 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.
Program objective
"The program is designed to shift European long-range strike from limited inventories toward sustained industrial production," the company states.
All development, production, and export activities will be carried out in accordance with applicable national and European legislation, export control regulations, and subject to the necessary government approvals.
Ukraine is already producing three Flamingo missiles per day. After switching to its own engine, production rates will increase in line with orders.
Ukraine has developed its first guided aerial bomb, a design created from scratch that is already ready for combat use.
