Ratel H UGV integrated with FPV drone launch module

The Ukrainian Ratel H unmanned ground vehicle has been upgraded with the capability to launch fibre-optic controlled FPV drones, forming an integrated ground–air combat system. The development was announced by Taras Ostapchuk, founder of Ratel Robotics, alongside the release of operational footage.

The ground platform has been fitted with a new module — a dedicated launch bay that enables the transport and deployment of FPV drones directly from hazardous or remote areas. This eliminates the need for an operator’s physical presence at the launch site. In this configuration, the UGV serves as a mobile base, a signal repeater, and a carrier for aerial assets.

The platform can carry up to 4 fibre-optic FPV drones of varying sizes. The launch module is integrated into the базова configuration of the Ratel H, ensuring that its mobility and cross-country performance remain unaffected.

While the Ratel H UGV is already in serial production, the variant equipped with the drone launch module has not yet been officially codified. According to Ostapchuk, the company is also launching its own FPV drone production line, specifically designed to operate within a unified ecosystem alongside ground platforms.

Consequently, the Ratel UGV can function as a mobile deployment point for unmanned systems within an integrated ground–air complex, supporting combined operations involving multiple robotic platforms.

Previously, Defender Media reported on the new Ratel X UGV model and provided a detailed breakdown of the platform’s technical specifications.