A cruise missile capable of striking deep strategic targets from over 2,000km is at the centre of Rheinmetall Destinus Strike Systems’ future roadmap, as revealed at Eurosatory 2026 in Paris.
This new system, designated the Ruta Block 3, is being prioritised by the proposed joint venture (JV) between Rheinmetall and Destinus.
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The JV was initially announced in April 2026, with formal establishment expected in the second half of the year following the finalisation of a shareholders’ agreement.
A statement released by Rheinmetall on 17 June 2026 stated the companies intend for the Ruta Block 3 to address the need for engaging high-value and hardened targets at significant distances.
The missile will carry a warhead of up to 250kg and is intended for deployment exclusively from standard containers, which can be transported on vehicles such as Rheinmetall’s HX trucks, or on maritime platforms.
According to Rheinmetall, the missile can be made firing-ready in around two minutes.
“Together we are advancing NATO qualification on an accelerated path, embedded in existing programmes for European defence ministries. This allows us to rapidly provide European armed forces with a ready-to-deploy, certified and fully European effector,” Rheinmetall Weapon and Ammunition division head Roman Köhne said.
Alongside the Ruta Block 3, production is planned to begin with two other cruise missiles, Kryla and Ruta Block 2.
The Kryla missile is a compact system with a 50kg warhead, intended for mass saturation strikes and capable of launching from containers or multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS), thereby expanding cruise missile capabilities across existing launcher fleets.
The Ruta Block 2, also carrying a 250kg warhead, is designed for targeting hardened and high-value sites and will also be launched exclusively from containers.
Destinus Founder and CEO Mikhail Kokorich said: “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.”
The agreement between the two companies is currently based on a signed Term Sheet, with the final deal close to signature.
Rheinmetall will contribute energetic components such as warheads and booster rocket motors, while Destinus brings technological core elements to the joint products.
Rheinmetall Destinus Strike Systems aims to establish a dedicated facility in Germany for assembly, integration and testing.
Initial delivery readiness is targeted for 2026, with the joint venture’s product range intended to be manufactured using a European value chain.
