The Ratel Robotics platform for launching drones is a Ukrainian attachment for Ratel UGVs that turns a ground robot into a remote FPV launch point. The official PPD page lists capacity for four 7- to 10-inch FPV drones, Starlink-based management, and compatibility with Ratel M, Ratel H, and Ratel X, while combat reporting documents Ratel ground robots launching fiber-optic FPV drones near the line of combat engagement.
Fielded by Ratel Robotics on a Ratel H ground robot during the 2014 Russia-Ukraine War, the launch module carries FPV drones to hazardous or remote launch points so Ukrainian operators can separate the control point from the launch point.
Role detailsRatel Robotics presents the PPD as an attachment and launch module for existing Ratel UGVs rather than as a stand-alone vehicle family.
| Variant | Configuration | Designation notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ratel H four-cell launch module | Documented Ratel H FPV launch configuration | February and May 2026 reporting described a Ratel H fitted with a launch module or frame for transporting and launching up to four fiber-optic FPV drones from remote or hazardous positions. Sources: Ukraine Adapts Ground Robot To Launch Jam-Proof Fiber-Optic Drones, Ratel Shows Combat Use of Ground Robot with FPV Drone Launch Platform |
| Ratel M/H/X supported-UGV attachment | Official compatibility list | The official product page describes the PPD as an attachment for Ratel UGVs and lists Ratel M, Ratel H, and Ratel X as supporting UGVs. |
The launch platform is documented as an attachment for Ratel ground robots rather than a self-propelled launcher by itself.
| Carrier | Carrier type | Carriage evidence |
|---|---|---|
 | Heavy UGV launch host | Ratel H is the named host in February and May 2026 reporting on the four-cell FPV launch module and its combat-use footage. Sources: Ukraine Adapts Ground Robot To Launch Jam-Proof Fiber-Optic Drones, Ratel Shows Combat Use of Ground Robot with FPV Drone Launch Platform |
 | Medium UGV compatible host | Ratel Robotics lists Ratel M among the supporting UGVs for the drone-launch platform. |
 | Heavy six-wheeled UGV compatible host | Ratel Robotics lists Ratel X among the supporting UGVs for the drone-launch platform. |
The module carries FPV drones to the launch point, separating the crew control position from the physical launch position.
| Carried item | Item type | Carriage evidence |
|---|---|---|
 | 7- to 10-inch FPV payload class | The official page lists four 7- to 10-inch FPV drones on the platform, and conflict reporting describes fiber-optic FPV drones launched from a Ratel ground robot. Sources: Platform for Launching Drones Product Page, Ratel Shows Combat Use of Ground Robot with FPV Drone Launch Platform |
The PPD is best read as a launch attachment inside a ground-and-air uncrewed chain: a Ratel UGV moves the FPV drones, the launch module protects and opens the cells, and the drone crew operates from a separate control point.
| Element | Sourced detail | Catalog treatment |
|---|---|---|
| February and May 2026 reporting names Ratel H as the ground robot adapted into the mobile launch point. | Linked as the documented launch host rather than merged into this attachment page. |
| PPD launch module | Ratel lists four FPV drones, 7- to 10-inch drone size, Starlink management, and Ratel M/H/X support. | Recorded as support equipment because the module depends on a host UGV and carried FPV drones. |
| Reporting on the Ratel launch setup focuses on fiber-optic FPV drones launched from remote or high-risk areas. | Linked to the broader FPV drone entry because the official PPD page defines a size class, not one confirmed model only. |
UNITED24 Media reported that Ratel H had been fitted with a drone-launch module for carrying and deploying fiber-optic FPV drones from forward or high-risk areas.
Sources: Ukraine Adapts Ground Robot To Launch Jam-Proof Fiber-Optic Drones
Ukrainska Pravda reported Ratel footage of FPV attack drones launching from a ground robotic system near the line of combat engagement, with Ratel claiming confirmed strikes.
Sources: Ratel Shows Combat Use of Ground Robot with FPV Drone Launch Platform
Business Insider reported that Ratel Robotics UGVs were being produced and used for Ukrainian front-line missions including logistics, evacuation, mine-laying, attacks, and FPV launch.
Sources: Ukraine's War Robots Are Surging Into the Kill Zone
