Ukraine's Fire Point develops antiballistic missile to rival Patriot

Ukrainian company Fire Point is developing the FP-7.x antiballistic missile, aiming to offer a competitive alternative to systems like the Patriot. The initial variant is expected to intercept targets through explosive detonation, similar to the Patriot PAC-2, while subsequent versions will utilize advanced "hit-to-kill" technology for direct impact destruction. This information was confirmed by Fire Point's CEO, Irina Tereh, in an interview with The War Zone.

The primary hurdle in production is the missile's guidance head. Tereh stated that Fire Point is collaborating with two European companies and one Ukrainian firm on this critical component, though the timeline for completion of specific variants remains uncertain. "The ultimate goal is for the entire interception system to cost less than one million euros. I believe, given the estimated price range for the guidance heads, discussed with our partners, this is achievable. Probably not with the very first versions, but certainly in series production," the CEO explained.

The company is focusing on infrared guidance heads, with German firm Diehl Defense being one of the development partners. Tereh declined to name the other partners, citing a lack of their consent for public disclosure. Regarding timelines, the company representative indicated that providing an exact estimate is difficult but Fire Point anticipates concrete results within the next few months. Should development and testing prove successful, the company aims to produce at least 2,000 interceptors annually, with plans for further production expansion to be discussed later.

Earlier in July, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the launch of Project Freya, an antiballistic system designed as a more affordable alternative to the Patriot. Fire Point had previously announced its intention to develop its own air defense system in the spring, with the objective of reducing the cost of intercepting a ballistic missile to below one million dollars, targeting actual interceptions by the end of 2027. In early June, Fire Point co-founder and chief engineer Denis Stillerman reported that the FP-7.x surface-to-air missile had undergone testing with "considerable success."

Fire Point has also refuted rumors regarding the combat use of the FP-9 ballistic missile. According to CEO Irina Tereh, the FP-9 is not yet in use.