Cheaper alternative to Patriot? What we know about Ukraine's Freya air defense system
Photo: Fire Point tested the Freya air defense system against ballistic missiles (video screenshot)
Fire Point has tested a new interceptor missile for air defense systems capable of shooting down Russian ballistic missiles. In the future, the new development is expected to become a more affordable alternative to Patriot systems.
RBC-Ukraine reports on what is known about the new development in Ukraine’s defense industry and when Freya could begin intercepting Russian missiles.
Freya is a joint European project involving several countries. It aims to develop an air defense system capable of intercepting ballistic missiles.
According to the developer, the Freya program on the Ukrainian side is overseen by Rustem Umerov. Germany, France, and Norway are also involved in the project. In addition to Fire Point, another Ukrainian company is participating, although its name has not yet been disclosed.
Specifications of the new missile
The core of the new system is expected to be the FP-7.x interceptor missile, made of composite materials, with a speed of 1,500–2,000 m/s. The missile is 7.25 meters long. Launch tests were first demonstrated at the end of February this year.
The missile has a range of up to 200 km, and its warhead weighs up to 150 kg. It is equipped with a semi-active infrared homing seeker, which is planned to be developed in cooperation with Germany’s Diehl Defence (IRIS).
Fire Point reveals first test of FP-7.X missile for Ukrainian FREYA anti-ballistic system pic.twitter.com/Gir5eYyvPx
— RBC-Ukraine (@NewsUkraineRBC) June 10, 2026
How much does the missile cost?
Fire Point says the key advantage of the new development is its significantly lower cost. One interceptor is estimated at around $700,000, while a PAC-3 missile for the Patriot system costs about $3.8 million.
This difference, according to the developers, should allow for large-scale production and the creation of bigger stockpiles for daily use under conditions of intensive attacks.
The company expects to begin serial production in August this year. Under current plans, the missile could enter service in 2027.
What components of the new air defense system is Ukraine developing?
Fire Point told RBC-Ukraine that the company is the initiator, chief developer, and systems integrator of the entire complex. Among the components included in the system, it is developing and manufacturing FP-7 interceptor missiles and launchers.
Partner countries are developing other necessary components. Fire Point also integrates all components into a single unified air defense system.
What targets will Freya be able to destroy?
Fire Point emphasizes that Freya is a multifunctional system capable of both air defense and missile defense tasks. However, its key feature and advantage is protection specifically against ballistic targets.
Ukraine’s Air Force previously reported a critical shortage of ammunition for Patriot, NASAMS, and IRIS-T systems. According to military sources, some units have severely limited missile stockpiles.
