24 July 2026
Following the successful use of the Ruta cruise missile against a maritime platform in the fall of 2025, the Russians have confirmed a new strike involving its use.
In the photos released by propagandists, only one part of the missile is visible—the tail section. This section usually survives because it is far from the warhead, so it can be used to identify the specific model.
After analyzing the debris, Militarnyi confirms that it matches the Ruta Block 1 cruise missile variant.
The photo shows the tail section with a keel configuration and two stabilizers. The missile’s body is cylindrical in shape and made of metal. The surfaces of the stabilizers and the keel are made of composite materials.
Debris from the tail section of a Ruta Block 1 cruise missile. Photo credits: t.me/payloadUAV
Comparing it with available photos of the Ruta Block 1 cruise missile from Destinus, one can notice characteristic structural similarities between the missile and the debris.
A Destinus Ruta Block 1 missile, compared to the photo of the debris released by the Russians. Image: Militarnyi
President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky announced the first combat use of the Ruta cruise missile in October 2025. He specified that the Ukrainian Defense Forces had struck an offshore platform with this missile for the first time.
Successful tests took place in late 2024.
Ruta cruise missile
The Ruta cruise missile was developed by Destinus. It is also classified as a jet drone or a missile-drone.
Three versions have been developed as part of the project:
- Ruta Block 1
- Ruta Block 2
- Ruta Block 3
Ruta Block 1
The Ruta Block 1 has a cylindrical shape with a maximum range of over 300 km. Its warhead weighs approximately 100 kg.
Ruta Block 2
The Block 2 version of the missile, unveiled in early 2026, features a box-shaped fuselage designed as a high-wing configuration with a rectangular wing. The folding wing design was revised and integrated directly into the fuselage. According to the company, the missile is capable of striking targets at ranges of up to 420 km and carrying a warhead weighing up to 250 kg.
A Ruta Block 2 and Kryla missiles. Photo credits: Destinus
Ruta Block 3
The new version of the Ruta Block 3 missile is being developed jointly with the German Rheinmetall, for which the joint venture Rheinmetall Destinus Strike Systems was established. This version of the Ruta missile is expected to have a range of 2,000 km and be capable of carrying a 250-kg warhead.
The Ruta Block 3 missile could be the best mid-range drone. Being fast–powered by a jet engine–it packs a decent wallop with its 250 kg warhead. It is a potential bridge killer.