---
title: "Ratel Robotics Begins Assembly of Interceptor Drones Launched from Ground Robots"
description: "Ratel Robotics has begun assembling interceptor drones for launch from ground robots. Company founder Taras Ostapchuk outlined plans to create multi-rotor and fixed-wing interceptors with launch boxes for GRSs."
date: 2026-10-27T09:54:50.356Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/ratel-robotics-interceptor-drones-ground-robots
tags: [ratel-robotics, interceptor-drones, ugv, military-robotics, ukraine-defense, fpv-drones]
author: "Alexander Buran"
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Ratel Robotics Begins Assembly of Interceptor Drones Launched from Ground Robots

![Two modern black ground robots with wheeled chassis parked in a forest](https://xab.info/media/2026/10/27/ratel-robotics-drony-perehvatchiki-zapusk-s-nrk/ratel-robotics-drony-perehvatchiki-zapusk-s-nrk-1.webp)

## Key Points

- Ratel Robotics has started assembling interceptor drones for launch from GRSs
- Launch boxes and shared software for data exchange between ground and aerial platforms are under development
- Multi-rotor interceptors will come first, followed by fixed-wing drones
- The GRS serves as a mobile carrier and launch platform in this setup

Ukrainian company Ratel Robotics has begun assembling interceptor drones capable of launching directly from ground robotic systems (GRSs). This was stated by company founder Taras Ostapchuk in an interview cited by RBC-Ukraine, referencing Forbes. According to him, special launch boxes are already being developed to hunt down enemy air targets, allowing the integration of aerial platforms into the company's existing ground robotic architecture.

### From Strike FPVs to Interceptors: The Logic of Development

As Ostapchuk noted, the company has previously demonstrated the launch of strike FPV drones from Ratel ground robots. Now, management intends to expand this synergy toward countering aerial targets. The plans include first creating multi-rotor interceptors, and eventually fixed-wing drones. Concurrently, development is underway for launch boxes for their deployment from GRSs, as well as shared software to enable data exchange between ground and aerial platforms.

### The Concept: Ground Robot as a Launch Platform

In this configuration, the ground robotic system acts as a mobile carrier: it delivers interceptors to the position and serves as the launch platform, while the aerial drones strike the target. Ostapchuk emphasizes that combining various platforms is one of the key directions for robotics development: they complement each other's capabilities and allow personnel to perform more tasks remotely, reducing risk to troops.

### Context: GRSs Reach a New Level

The development of Ratel Robotics occurs against the backdrop of the active introduction of ground robotic systems into Ukrainian military practice. In September, the Croatian Komodo GRS produced by Rheinmetall underwent bridge-laying trials. The 3rd Army Corps became the first in the world to deploy a GRS from bombers into the enemy's rear. Meanwhile, Ukrainian company Tencore revealed the characteristics and key features of the MAT1LDA GRS, designed for movement on both land and water. All these developments indicate that ground robotics is becoming a multifunctional tool — from logistics and engineering support to direct fire engagement of targets.

### What This Means for Air Defense Tactics

The transition to launching interceptors from mobile ground platforms potentially changes the approach to distributed air defense. Instead of stationary anti-aircraft installations or large mobile MANPADS, it becomes possible to deploy compact launch points in any location accessible to a GRS, complicating the enemy's task of detecting and suppressing air defense assets. The shared software mentioned by Ostapchuk is designed to automate the transmission of aerial threat data from the ground system to the aerial interceptor, shortening reaction times.

## Fact-Check & Sources

- [В Украине создали НРК с дронами-перехватчиками на борту](https://www.rbc.ua/ukr/news/ukrayini-stvorili-nrk-dronami-perehoplyuvachami-1793094527.html) - Statement by Ratel Robotics founder Taras Ostapchuk regarding the start of assembly of interceptor drones for launch from GRSs, plans for multi-rotor and fixed-wing platforms, and the development of launch boxes and shared software. Source: RBC-Ukraine citing Forbes.

## FAQ

### What is a GRS and what role does it play in the new Ratel setup?

A GRS (ground robotic system) acts as a mobile carrier in the Ratel setup: it delivers interceptor drones to the position and serves as the launch platform for deploying them.

### What types of interceptor drones is Ratel Robotics developing?

The company first plans to create multi-rotor interceptors, and subsequently fixed-wing drones.

### At what stage is the development?

According to company founder Taras Ostapchuk, assembly of the interceptor drones has begun, while the launch boxes and shared software are currently under development.

### What is the shared software in the context of Ratel?

It is software for data exchange between ground and aerial platforms, ensuring the transmission of air threat information from the GRS to the interceptor drone.