Swarmer, an American company that develops platforms for autonomous drone control, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Ukrainian manufacturer of ground robotics complexes Ratel Robotics. The deal, which includes a cash and stock payment based on future performance, could reach $224 million.
Swarmer, an American company that develops platforms for autonomous drone control, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Ukrainian manufacturer of ground robotics complexes Ratel Robotics. The deal, which includes a cash and stock payment based on future performance, could reach $224 million.
This is the first major deal for Swarmer under the leadership of Chairman Eric Prince, and involves integrating Ratel’s entire catalog of ground combat robots into the American company’s platform.
Ratel Robotics is one of the key suppliers of robotics for the Ukrainian Defense Forces. From the beginning of January to April 2026, the company's products accounted for about 37% of all contracts of the Defense Procurement Agency of the Ministry of Defense for the purchase of UGVs (the total amount of which was UAH 11 billion). This year, the company has already signed contracts for $86 million and is negotiating with several NATO countries within the framework of the Build With Ukraine initiative.
Ratel's product portfolio includes modular ground platforms for logistics, casualty evacuation, reconnaissance, demining and UAV launch. The developer is also working on two drone models, mobile workshops and solar generator trailers.
“We believe that ground robots can serve as a universal platform for launching UAVs, interceptors, and other autonomous systems. Combining a combat-proven platform with our autonomous control software is key to creating universal solutions,” said Alex Fink, President and CEO of Swarmer in the US.
Ratel Robotics founder and CEO Taras Ostapchuk will retain his position after the deal closes and report directly to Alex Fink. All 300 employees of the Ukrainian manufacturer will join the Swarmer team, increasing the company's total staff to almost 500 specialists.
"As a former serviceman of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, I know firsthand the risks that soldiers face on the battlefield. This experience inspired me to create robotic systems capable of taking on the most dangerous tasks. Together with Swarmer, we plan to combine ground and air capabilities with a high level of autonomy," Taras Ostapchuk emphasized.
Swarmer CEO Erik Prince emphasized that the company's goal is to bring together the best combat technologies into a single integrated system: "In my address to shareholders, I noted that our goal is to create a platform for products that have been tested in the harshest combat conditions. Ratel perfectly fits this mission. Our task is simple: to combine the best systems, hardened in battle, into one decisive solution."
The agreement will become effective upon satisfaction of standard closing conditions and receipt of necessary regulatory and corporate approvals.
