KYIV, — June 16, 2026 : Ukrainian defense developer Center of Innovative Technologies Program has unveiled the DART missile, a new weapon system designed to operate effectively in environments affected by electronic warfare. According to a report by Militarnyi, the missile is launched from high-altitude stratospheric balloons and uses a unique flight profile intended to reduce its vulnerability to signal jamming and GPS spoofing.
Balloon Launch Concept
The DART missile is carried by stratospheric aerostats to altitudes ranging from 12 to 18 kilometers before being released toward its target. This launch method allows the weapon to begin its mission from above heavily contested lower-altitude airspace, where electronic warfare systems and air defenses are often concentrated.
Developers noted that the balloon platforms used for the system are supplied by a partner company rather than being produced in-house. To ensure a controlled release at high altitude, the missile is equipped with specialized servo-actuators that manage activation and maintain flight stability under varying atmospheric and aerodynamic conditions.
Missile Specifications
DART is a compact missile designed for aerial deployment. The system measures 1.84 meters in length and has a total weight of 13 kilograms.
The missile can be fitted with warheads weighing between 3.5 and 10 kilograms, depending on mission requirements. Its payload consists of penetrating striking elements made of graphite, allowing the weapon to be configured for different operational roles.
Key Specifications
- Length: 1.84 meters
- Weight: 13 kilograms
- Warhead: 3.5–10 kilograms
- Payload Type: Graphite penetrating striking elements
- Launch Platform: High-altitude stratospheric balloons
- Release Altitude: 12–18 kilometers
Designed to Counter Electronic Warfare
The missile's primary feature is its ability to reduce exposure to electronic warfare measures during the final stage of flight.
During the initial phase of descent, DART uses an onboard navigation system to guide it toward the target area. Once the missile reaches an altitude of approximately six kilometers, the navigation system is completely deactivated and a solid-fuel engine is ignited.
After this transition, the missile continues toward its target on a fixed course using unguided propulsion. Because its onboard receivers are switched off during the terminal phase, the missile cannot receive spoofed GPS signals or be directly affected by radio-frequency jamming aimed at disrupting navigation systems.
According to the developers, this approach allows the weapon to maintain its course even in areas where electronic warfare activity is intense.
Future Development Plans
The Center of Innovative Technologies Program expects the DART missile system to receive official codification from Ukraine's Ministry of Defense in the near future.
Following codification, the company plans to expand the technology into additional weapon systems. Proposed developments include a ground-launched ballistic missile and a new surface-to-air missile that would utilize the core technologies developed for the DART program.
Part of Broader Defense Innovation Efforts
The DART project reflects Ukraine's continuing focus on developing cost-effective and resilient weapon systems capable of operating in contested electromagnetic environments. The use of high-altitude balloon platforms offers a relatively low-cost method of delivering payloads to significant altitudes while preserving onboard energy for the weapon's operational phase.
Additional information regarding testing and potential deployment timelines is expected after the system completes the codification process. The development highlights ongoing efforts by Ukrainian defense engineers to adapt weapon designs to the increasing role of electronic warfare on the modern battlefield.
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