Destinus, Swiss startup, is instrumental in supporting Ukrainian forces through drone technology
Mikhail Kokorich, former head of Russian space startup Dauria Aerospace, left Russia after Vladimir Putin ascended to power. As explained by The Kyiv Post, he initially moved to the United States, then Switzerland. This is where he established the company Destinus in 2021, specialising in aviation technology. In a recent interview with the French magazine Challenges, Kokorich emphasised that Destinus, which he founded, "now ranks as one of the main drone producers in Europe," and Ukraine is among its primary customers.
Ukraine has received hundreds of drones from Destinus
As Kokorich explains, Destinus has confidentially shipped hundreds of cost-effective drones to Ukraine since 2023. They are sent as components, which the Ukrainians then assemble at secret military sites. Kokorich stated that the drones were not initially designed as weapons but serve a dual purpose. Destinus manufactures three drone models in factories in Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain. These comprise:
- Lord,
- Ruta,
- Hornet.
It's worth noting that there are no official photos or data on these devices above. However, based on the available information, it appears that the first drone produced by Destinus, the Lord, is propeller-powered and boasts a range between 750 and over 2,000 kilometres, depending on the configuration. Theoretically, Ukrainians can use it to attack Russia. The primary function of these devices is ground attacks. Lord drones can also facilitate reconnaissance missions, electronic intelligence conduct, and participate in electronic warfare. The devices have been delivered to Ukraine since 2023.
By 2024, Ukrainians are also set to receive Ruta and Hornet drones. According to the Ukrainian news website Defense Express, Ruta is a drone boasting a range of 300 kilometres, capable of serving as an assault drone, conducting surveillance, or being used as a flying target. Meanwhile, the Hornet is a lightweight drone weighing a few kilograms, with a 300 km/h speed. It's designed to intercept other drones, help map terrain and function as a component of a reconnaissance system.
