Dorozvidka #55: A new Ukrainian air defence missile, the “Father of deep strikes,” and Ratel, turrets, exports, Azhnyuk, and Zarubin

In this edition of Dorozvidka:

• Zelensky unveils a new Ukrainian air defence missile;
• The story of Yaroslav Azhyiuk in The New York Times;
• Ukraine strengthens cooperation with Germany on the production of long- and medium-range drones;
• Ratel Robotics CEO Taras Ostapchuk discusses the company’s new product line and the evolving philosophy of UGV deployment;
• David Aloyan, a member of the interagency arms export commission, speaks with Forbes;
• How combat turrets work;
• An interview with Valerii Zarubin, co-founder of BlueBird Tech;
• The story of the “father of Ukrainian deep strikes.”

Ukraine strengthens cooperation with Germany on deep-strike and mid-strike drone production

Ukraine’s Minister of Defence, Mykhailo Fedorov, announced successful negotiations with his German counterpart, Boris Pistorius. According to Fedorov, the parties agreed on a new large-scale cooperation package worth €4 billion, which includes hundreds of missiles for the Patriot air defence system, as well as deep-strike and mid-strike drones.

Fedorov also noted that he had secured €300 million in investments to enhance Ukraine’s long-range strike capabilities, enabling increased production of Ukrainian deep-strike systems.

Additionally, under the Build with Ukraine initiative, the two countries are launching joint production of AI-enabled mid-strike drones. “At the first stage, 5,000 drones will be delivered to the Defence Forces,” Fedorov wrote.

Zelensky unveils a new Ukrainian air defence missile

On 13 March, the Office of the President of Ukraine released a video in which Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated employees of the defence-industrial complex on their professional holiday. The video showcased numerous examples of domestically produced weapons. Analysts from Defence Blog drew particular attention to a new Ukrainian missile for air defence systems

According to the publication, the missile’s appearance in the video suggests that Ukraine’s programme to develop indigenous air defence systems has moved beyond concepts and mock-ups. Analysts speculate that the footage may have revealed an industrial prototype of the Koral missile project, which has so far remained undisclosed.

The authorities have not yet revealed the official name of the system, technical specifications, or engagement range. However, based on earlier presentations, experts believe the missile belongs to the medium-range air defence class, capable of engaging targets at distances of 30 to 50 km. It is intended to protect military formations, infrastructure, and rear facilities from enemy aircraft, cruise missiles, and certain types of drones. In the future, these systems are expected to replace the Buk and S-300PT Soviet-era air defence systems in service with the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

The Koral programme remains highly classified, and it is currently unknown whether the weapon has undergone combat testing or entered serial production.

David Aloyan discusses arms exports with Forbes

The Interagency Commission on Arms Exports has reviewed more than 200 applications from domestic manufacturers, according to David Aloyan, Deputy Secretary of the National Security and Defence Council (NSDC) and a member of the commission. Among the most promising export categories are naval drones and interceptor drones, which have attracted interest from countries in the Middle East.

The interview also explores how Ukraine plans to develop its defence tech export strategy and what new opportunities arise following the signing of agreements with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar.

Read more.

The story of Yaroslav Azhnyuk in The New York Times

The New York Times published a feature on Yaroslav Azhnyuk, co-founder of the startups The Fourth Law and Odd Systems, highlighting his transition “from cameras that dispense animal feed to cameras that drop explosives on occupiers.”

Read more.

Ratel Robotics CEO Taras Ostapchuk on the company’s new product line

Militarnyi released a video interview with Taras Ostapchuk, CEO of Ratel Robotics. He discussed the evolving philosophy behind the deployment of unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), the transition to tracked platforms, the integration of active protection systems, and other technological developments.

How combat turrets work

The Ukrainian tech publication DOU released an in-depth article on combat turrets, which are becoming an increasingly visible element of modern warfare. They are used for defensive operations, assault support, and missions in areas too dangerous for personnel.

Turret-equipped UGVs helped the 93rd Separate Mechanized Brigade conduct a counteroffensive in the Dobropillia direction. Despite their effectiveness, such systems have not yet become widespread.

The publication spoke with manufacturers to explore what turrets are, their accuracy and range, cost, and how military units operate them.

Read more.

Rent, Loans, and the Chinese New Year: What shapes drone prices

Vector interviewed Valerii Zarubin, co-founder of the defence tech company BlueBird Tech. He discussed:

• How delivery times for components affect the cost of military products;
• Why Ukrainian drones can cost around $360, compared to $5,000 for American equivalents;
• Whether the expansion of military production contributes to price reductions;
• Why component prices are expected to rise and how this is linked to China and Taiwan.

Find out more.

Forbes on the “Father of Ukrainian Deep Strikes”

“The father and originator of the idea of the mass use of deep strikes,” is how former Commander-in-Chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi described Kyiv entrepreneur Borys ‘Fidel’ Martynenko. Forbes Ukraine tells the story of how the developer established a unit responsible for targeting Russia’s oil industry.

Read more.