Swiss startup Destinus delivers hundreds of military drones to Ukraine, more on the way

Kokorich, former CEO of the Russian space startup Dauria Aerospace, moved away from Russia after Vladimir Putin came to power. He first relocated to the United States and then Switzerland, where, in 2021, he founded Destinus, a company specializing in aviation technology. During his recent interview with Challenges, Kokorich underscored that Destinus is one of the leading drone manufacturers in Europe and counts Ukraine among its major clients.

Kokorich disclosed that since 2023, Destinus has discreetly delivered hundreds of affordable drones to Ukraine. These drones are shipped as components, assembled by Ukrainians at hidden military facilities. Initially, these drones were not designed as weapons, but they have now found a dual purpose. Destinus manufactures three drone models at factories in Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain. These include the Lord, Ruta, and Hornet models.

It's worth noting that no official photos or data are available for these drones. However, details suggest that the Lord, the first drone produced by Destinus, is propeller-driven and ranges between 466 to around 1242 miles, depending on its configuration. In theory, this makes it capable of being used by Ukrainians to strike Russia. These drones' core purpose is for ground attacks, although they can also conduct surveillance, gather electronic intelligence, and participate in electronic warfare. The Lord drones have been shipped to Ukraine since 2023.

Furthermore, Ukrainians are expected to receive the Ruta and Hornet drones in 2024. According to the Ukrainian news website Defense Express, the Ruta drone can cover 186 miles. It can serve in assault operations, surveillance, or as a flying target. On the other hand, the Hornet is a smaller drone, weighing only a few kilograms, with a maximum speed of 186 mph. It is designed to intercept other drones and assist in mapping terrain as part of a reconnaissance system.