Swarmer Acquires Ukrainian UGV Manufacturer Ratel Robotics

The U.S.-Ukrainian company Swarmer has entered into an agreement to acquire unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) manufacturer Ratel Robotics for up to $224 million.

The U.S. company said Swarmer will integrate Ratel’s line of combat ground drones with its own software for autonomous control of unmanned systems.

Ratel Robotics manufactures modular ground platforms for logistics, casualty evacuation, reconnaissance, mine clearance, and drone deployment.

Since the beginning of 2026, the company has signed contracts worth $86 million and accounted for approximately 37% of all unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) procurements for the Ukrainian Defense Forces.

Upon completion of the acquisition, more than 300 employees of the Ukrainian manufacturer will join Swarmer, while the company’s founder, Taras Ostapchuk, will remain as CEO.

The combined company plans to scale up UGV production and begin supplying the systems to NATO countries under the Build With Ukraine initiative.

Ratel Robotics announced the start of serial production of the modified NURSE TB20 UGV, designed to support infantry operations.