Ukraines RATEL company has introduced the Ratel X, a redesigned ground drone platform built from battlefield feedback rather than incremental upgrades to existing models. According to company director Taras Ostapchuk, the platform represents a complete redesign aimed at addressing operational challenges identified by frontline units.
The Ratel X features a lower profile to reduce visibility and improve stability on uneven terrain, a wider chassis for better balance, enhanced speed and maneuverability for active combat conditions, increased ground clearance for navigating obstacles and trenches, light armor protecting critical components from fragmentation, and dual onboard cameras for improved operator situational awareness.
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RATEL already fields several operational platforms that have been in combat use and continue to evolve based on frontline experience:
Ratel S, which functions as a kamikaze drone or remote mining system, carrying 35 kg of explosives or two anti-tank mines with a range of 5 km. The company reports production capacity of up to 100 units per month at a cost of 850,000 hryvnias (20,000 dollars) per unit.
Ratel M, which serves logistics and evacuation missions, transporting one wounded soldier or 200 kg of cargo up to 20 km on solid surfaces or 10 km cross-country. Cost: 1.3 million hryvnias (30,000 dollars).
Ratel H, that is an enhanced evacuation platform capable of carrying two wounded soldiers or 400 kg of cargo with similar range parameters. Cost: 2 million hryvnias (47,000 dollars)
According to the company, Ratel platforms have operated with Starlink connectivity for over six months, enabling operators to control the systems from secure positions at considerable distance. The company reports a longest recorded mission of 30 km carrying approximately 450 kg.
Previosly, Defense Express reported about characteristics of the Ratel Ukrainian combat robot that controlled via Starlink.
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