Swarmer is acquiring Ratel, a Ukrainian manufacturer of combat robots, for $224 million
The U.S.-Ukrainian company Swarmer has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the Ukrainian manufacturer of ground-based robotic systems, Ratel Robotics. The deal could be worth up to $224 million, provided all performance targets are met.
What is known about the terms of the deal
Payment for Ratel Robotics will consist of cash and stock. The closing of the deal is subject to standard conditions as well as the necessary legal, regulatory, and shareholder approvals.
This year, Ratel Robotics has secured contracts worth $86 million and is in negotiations with several NATO countries as part of the Build With Ukraine initiative.
The company’s products—modular unmanned ground vehicles—are used for battlefield logistics, evacuating the wounded, reconnaissance, launching drones, and demining. In addition, Ratel Robotics is developing two types of unmanned aerial vehicles, mobile workshops, and solar-powered trailers.
Alex Fink, President and CEO of Swarmer in the U.S., noted that ground-based robotic systems could serve as a universal platform for launching drones, interceptors, and other unmanned systems, and that combining a combat chassis with Swarmer’s autonomous software should create interoperable solutions.
Taras Ostapchuk, founder and CEO of Ratel Robotics, will remain in his position and report directly to Fink.
Ratel Robotics did not comment to RBC-Ukraine regarding the deal.
How many people and how much equipment will Swarmer acquire?
Ratel Robotics employs over 300 people, who are expected to join Swarmer once the deal closes—thus bringing the combined company’s total headcount to nearly 500 employees.
According to the companies, Ratel Robotics’ products account for approximately 37% of the total 11 billion hryvnias ($246.85 million) that the Defense Procurement Agency of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense spent on contracts for the procurement of unmanned combat vehicles from January 1 to April 18, 2026.
Swarmer Chairman of the Board of Directors Eric Prince noted that he had previously outlined the company’s strategy to build a platform for combat technologies proven on the front lines and cited Ratel Robotics as such an example.
Each production model of the Ratel H and Ratel M has a NATO Stock Number (NSN) assigned under the supplier code NCAGE A3X8J, as well as an AQAP 2110 certificate—the NATO quality standard for design, development, and production.
This was reported with reference to a Swarmer press release.
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