At Eurosatory 2026 in Paris, the European joint venture Rheinmetall Destinus Strike Systems set out its priorities. The joint venture is accelerating the introduction of the Ruta Block 3 – a cruise missile for strategic deep strike with a range of over 2,000 kilometers and a warhead of up to 250 kilograms – and begins production with its initial products, the Kryla and Ruta Block 2 cruise missiles.
The Ruta Block 3 is designed for high-value and hardened targets at depth and is launched exclusively from standard containers, which can be carried on vehicle platforms – including Rheinmetall HX trucks – and in maritime applications. Firing readiness is reached in around 2 minutes.
The objective is NATO qualification, making the Ruta Block 3 available to all NATO and EU member states.
“Together we are advancing NATO qualification on an accelerated path, embedded in existing programs for European defense ministries. This allows us to rapidly provide European armed forces with a ready-to-deploy, certified and fully European effector,” says Roman Köhne, Head of Division Weapon and Ammunition, Rheinmetall.
The basis is the signed Term Sheet; the final shareholders’ agreement is close to signature. Within the joint venture, Destinus combines its technology with Rheinmetall’s industrial scale.
Joint production begins with the joint venture’s two initial products. Kryla is a compact, cost-efficient cruise missile with a 50 kg warhead for massed saturation strikes; it launches from containers and from common rocket artillery launchers (MLRS), immediately adding a cruise-missile capability to existing launcher fleets.
Ruta Block 2 carries a 250 kg warhead, is designed for high target effect against high-value and hardened targets and is launched exclusively from containers.
“We are firmly committed to launch from standard sea containers. This gives our customers maximum flexibility: our systems can be deployed across virtually any land and sea platform and through existing logistics chains – concealed and brought to firing readiness in the shortest time,” says Mikhail Kokorich, Founder and CEO of Destinus.
The joint offering comprises Kryla, Ruta Block 2 and Ruta Block 3 – precision deep strike throughout, from a 100% European value chain.
For logistical independence, Rheinmetall Destinus Strike Systems will establish its own facility for final assembly, integration and testing in Germany; initial delivery readiness is planned for 2026.
