Key facts
- Fire Point conducted a flight test of its FP7.X ballistic missile.
- The FP7.X missile will be the basis for the future Freyja anti-ballistic interceptor.
- Fire Point aims to create a low-cost alternative to the U.S.-made Patriot system.
- Ukraine faces a critical deficit of interceptor missiles for its Patriot system.
Ukraine's largest missile and drone manufacturer, Fire Point, has successfully conducted a flight test of its FP7.X ballistic missile. This missile is intended to be the foundation for a new anti-ballistic interceptor missile air defence system, named Freyja. The FP7.X is an interceptor variant of Fire Point's FP7 ballistic missile, which is also being developed for ground attack capabilities. Fire Point's co-owner, Denys Shtilierman, indicated that the company is in discussions with undisclosed European partners to establish this air defence system, aiming to provide a more affordable option compared to the U.S.-manufactured Patriot system. The development comes as Ukraine faces a significant shortage of interceptor missiles for its existing Patriot systems, which are crucial for defending against ballistic missile attacks. Russia frequently employs ballistic missiles in its ongoing invasion of Ukraine. The test involved a controlled, maneuvering flight of the missile, which was launched from a rail launcher. Fire Point, established after the 2022 invasion, also produces thousands of long-range drones monthly and the Flamingo cruise missile.