Ratel is stepping up Ukraine’s unmanned ground capabilities with its new Ratel X, a compact, highly maneuverable platform designed to assist troops on the frontline.
The system combines modality and durability, with six independent wheels that keep it stable over uneven terrain and a 42-centimeter ground clearance to navigate battlefield debris.
It can travel up to 120 kilometers (74.6 miles) at speeds of 18 kilometers (11.2 miles) per hour while carrying a 400-kilogram (882-pound) payload.
Slated for production in January 2026, the Ratel X is being refined with an upgraded electronic differential to improve traction and performance in challenging terrain.
Ratel founder Taras Ostapchuk said it will also feature Class 2 armor plates for added protection.
The platform is progressing through codification as it moves closer to frontline deployment.
‘Shaped’ by Soldiers
According to Ostapchuk, soldier feedback played a key role in the Ratel X’s design, prompting engineers to scrap an initial concept envisioned for the vehicle.
The current model now has a lowered body frame to make it more difficult to spot from the air while also enhancing its grip on the ground.
A wider chassis improves stability during sharp turns and on slopes, while onboard cameras boost operator visibility in harsh conditions.
Known for its logistics and strike ground drones, Ratel is positioning the X as a more agile option for frontline operations, bridging the gap between traditional unmanned vehicles and battlefield demands.
