This article discusses Ukraine‘s development of new rocket-drones, which are economical solutions for deep-strike capabilities. The drones, including the RUTA and Peklo, have a distinct resemblance to traditional cruise missiles but are less expensive, with prices under $300,000 per piece.
The article mentions that while Zelensky acknowledged testing a drone called RUTA, it may not be a Ukrainian project as the company behind it, Destinus, has registrations in Switzerland, France, and the Netherlands. The founder of Destinus, Mikhail Kokorich, is an EU-based Russian national who renounced his citizenship due to disagreements with the Putin government.
The article also highlights the advantages of these new rocket-drones, including their low cost, payload size, and speed. They are powered by a low-cost and lightweight jet turboengine, which makes them stealthier than traditional cruise missiles. However, they have smaller payloads and are more vulnerable to electronic and navigational interference.
Experts in the field, such as Hinz and Hoffman, believe that these new rocket-drones are a game-changer in the defense industry, offering a more economical solution for deep-strike capabilities. They also note that Ukraine is walking into a space where there’s not really a lot of other states producing these types of systems.
Overall, the article provides an in-depth look at Ukraine’s development of new rocket-drones and their potential implications for the defense industry.