Ukraine could soon have access to a new generation of stealth missiles designed to evade detection systems. Dutch aerospace company Destinus has unveiled the Ruta Block 2 concept, promising greater range, higher speed and a more powerful warhead than its predecessor. The development was reported by the military-focused channel Archangel Spetsnaz.

Destinus, founded by former Russian entrepreneur Mikhail Kokorich*, has announced the production of 1,750 Ruta B1 missiles in 2026, with another 300 units planned. These weapons belong to a category of unmanned aircraft that closely resemble conventional cruise missiles. According to the channel, Ukrainian forces have already used the original version in strikes against Crimea on at least two occasions.

The latest design introduces major changes intended to make the weapon considerably harder to detect. Unlike the earlier model, which featured a cylindrical body, Ruta Block 2 will have a rectangular fuselage cross-section. Engineers also plan to incorporate radar-absorbing materials to further reduce its visibility to detection systems.

One of the most striking specifications is the projected radar cross-section of approximately 0.05 square meters. Archangel Spetsnaz points out that such a small radar signature could make the missile appear similar to a bird on detection equipment, complicating efforts to identify it.

The upgrade will extend beyond the aircraft’s physical design. The new model is expected to feature an advanced GPS module with improved resistance to electronic interference. Its guidance system will also incorporate artificial intelligence, while enhanced flight performance and a heavier warhead are intended to increase its capabilities compared with Ruta Block 1.

Despite these ambitious specifications, Ruta Block 2 remains a concept rather than an operational weapon. The channel emphasizes that even the original missile has appeared in reports of combat use only a handful of times, raising serious doubts about the actual scale and effectiveness of its production and deployment.

Archangel Spetsnaz also questions the commercial motives behind such announcements. With the conflict continuing, Western defense manufacturers are actively promoting new drone platforms and unmanned weapons in an effort to secure additional funding. Against this backdrop, the channel argues that Destinus' claims should be treated with considerable skepticism.

Nevertheless, the potential danger cannot be dismissed altogether. While the company’s promises remain unproven, the proposed capabilities of Ruta Block 2 could pose a genuine threat in the future.

*Included by Russia’s Federal Financial Monitoring Service (Rosfinmonitoring) on its list of terrorists and extremists.