Key facts
- Ukraine's Fire Point aims to produce ballistic missile interceptors by the end of the year.
- The company has partnered with German radar maker Hensoldt for its TRML-4D radar.
- Fire Point is seeking European partners for imaging infrared (IIR) homing devices and radio frequency (RF) seekers.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has invited other European countries to join a joint missile defence initiative.
- Fire Point is developing the FP-9 ballistic missile, capable of carrying an 800-kg warhead up to 850 km.
Ukraine's defence firm Fire Point is accelerating its development of a European missile defence system, with the goal of having interceptors ready by the end of the year. The company has signed a memorandum of understanding with German radar manufacturer Hensoldt to provide its TRML-4D radar for the system. Fire Point is also in discussions with unnamed European firms to supply crucial components like imaging infrared (IIR) homing devices and radio frequency (RF) seekers for its interceptor missile, which will use its own FP-7X rocket.
This initiative comes as Ukraine faces a global shortage of ballistic missile defence systems, a critical challenge in its ongoing conflict with Russia. Production of effective systems like the U.S.-made Patriot missiles has not kept pace with Russia's output. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has been actively seeking European collaboration, recently signing an agreement with Germany to jointly develop a European ballistic missile defence project and inviting other nations to participate, with Fire Point slated to be a key player.
Fire Point's co-founder and chief designer, Denys Shtilierman, indicated that stronger political commitment from European governments, particularly Germany, has significantly sped up the project's timeline. He noted that wartime conditions in Ukraine, which have streamlined regulations, allow for faster testing compared to European counterparts. The company is awaiting government approval to begin testing its interceptor missiles with the radar system and expects to start flight tests for its new FP-9 ballistic missile this summer, with battlefield tests anticipated by autumn. Fire Point's valuation has reportedly risen, leading to the termination of a previous investment offer and a new, higher valuation from an investment bank.