Direct proof of use
Ukrainska Pravda reported on 8 May 2026 that Ratel Robotics had released footage showing FPV attack drones launched from a domestically produced ground robotic system near the line of combat engagement. The article identified the configuration as a ground robot with drone compartments, described fiber-optic FPV drones launching from it to carry out missions, and attributed the footage to Ratel Robotics' chief executive.
The same report said Ratel had adapted the Ratel H ground robotic system into a mobile launch platform for FPV attack drones earlier in 2026, allowing operators to transport and launch up to four UAVs from dangerous or remote areas without placing an operator at the launch position.
Sources: Ratel Shows Combat Use of Ground Robot with FPV Drone Launch Platform
Narrative
The platform's documented conflict role is a remote launch point rather than a stand-alone strike weapon. Ratel Robotics' product page describes the PPD as an attachment for Ratel UGVs that transports and launches FPV drones from hazardous or remote areas; the page lists a four-drone capacity, 7- to 10-inch FPV drone size, Starlink management, and support for Ratel M, Ratel H, and Ratel X host vehicles.
In the Russia-Ukraine War context, the public reporting centers on the Ratel H configuration and fiber-optic FPV drones. UNITED24 Media reported that the Ratel H had been upgraded to carry and deploy fiber-optic-controlled FPV drones from remote or high-risk areas, while dev.ua described the module as moving FPV drones to the launch point and launching them without the crew entering a dangerous position.
Business Insider reported in February 2026 that Ratel Robotics said the adapted ground robot carried and launched fiber-optic drones so Ukrainian forces could put drones in the air closer to the front without exposing pilots. The article also noted that it was unclear at that time how many adapted systems existed or whether they were already in the field; the later May 2026 Ukrainska Pravda report supplied the stronger public combat-use account.
Sources: Platform for Launching Drones Product Page, Ukraine Adapts Ground Robot To Launch Jam-Proof Fiber-Optic Drones, Ratel Robotics Adds Fiber Optic FPV Drone Launch Platform to Ratel H, Ukrainian Ground Robot Can Now Launch Drones, Keeps Operators Safer, Ratel Shows Combat Use of Ground Robot with FPV Drone Launch Platform
