Rheinmetall to Establish Joint Venture with Cruise Missile Manufacturer Ruta

The German defense company Rheinmetall and the Dutch firm Destinus, which manufactures Ruta missiles for Ukraine, have agreed to create a joint venture.

According to Rheinmetall’s press service, the new company – Rheinmetall Destinus Strike Systems – is expected to be established in the second half of 2026.

The joint venture will focus on producing, marketing, and supplying advanced missile systems, including cruise missiles.

Rheinmetall will own a controlling 51% stake, while Destinus will hold 49%. The agreement is still subject to regulatory approval.

As part of the partnership, the parties intend to capitalize on market opportunities and continue developing advanced missile technologies.

Subject to obtaining the necessary approvals, they plan to offer innovative solutions in the field of cruise missiles and ballistic rocket artillery, as well as expand their existing product portfolio.

Destinus’ headquarters will remain in the Netherlands. The company will continue to develop and manufacture key systems and components at its European facilities.

Meanwhile, the new joint venture will gain access to Rheinmetall’s German production and certification capabilities, enabling it to scale up mass production.

It is noted that Destinus is already capable of producing more than 2,000 cruise missile systems annually.

The joint venture will focus on the international market, primarily in Europe, as well as on selected partner countries within NATO. The involvement of local industrial partners in key markets is also being considered.

As previously reported, Destinus, together with the German company Quantum Systems, is working on integrating its solutions into a unified operational framework to improve the effectiveness of European and allied forces.