Ukraine tests homegrown air defense missile cheaper than Patriot — FT
Illustrative photo: Fire Point tested the FP-7.X interceptor missile (video screenshot)
The Ukrainian company Fire Point has tested its new FP-7.x interceptor missile for air defense systems. It is being developed as a cheaper alternative to American Patriot missiles, the company’s co-founder Denys Shtilierman says in an interview with the Financial Times.
According to him, the first test flight took place last week and was successful. The FP-7.x is designed to intercept Russian ballistic missiles and drones at altitudes of up to approximately 25 km, which matches the capabilities of the Patriot system.
Fire Point states that the key advantage of the new design is its significantly lower cost. One interceptor is estimated to cost approximately $700,000, while a PAC-3 missile for the Patriot system costs about $3.8 million.
According to the developers, this difference should allow for significant scaling of production and the creation of larger stockpiles for daily use during intense attacks.
When will production begin?
The company expects to begin mass production as early as August of this year. However, to complete the project, it is necessary to obtain infrared homing heads from the German manufacturer Diehl Defence.
According to current plans, the missile could enter service in 2027.
What role will the Freyja system play
In addition to the interceptor itself, a comprehensive air defense system called Freyja is also being developed.
It is intended to include radars, detection systems, target tracking systems, and command-and-control elements. To this end, Ukraine is in talks with a number of European defense companies, including Hensoldt, Thales, Leonardo, and Kongsberg.
Shtilierman says the completion of this depends on the speed of Ukraine's Western partners and when they start moving.
However, industry representatives note that developing effective interceptor missiles is a complex process, particularly due to the need for ongoing testing under real-world conditions.
In Ukraine’s case, the war has effectively become a so-called laboratory, simultaneously accelerating development and raising the bar for effectiveness.
At the same time, experts emphasize that the new development is unlikely to fully replace the Patriot system. Instead, it could complement Ukraine’s existing air defense system and help address the shortage of expensive Western interceptors.
Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine was working with partners to develop European missile defense capabilities amid a reduction in Patriot missile deliveries.
Meanwhile, the Ukrainian Air Force reported a severe shortage of ammunition for the Patriot, NASAMS, and IRIS-T systems. According to military officials, some units have critically limited missile stocks.
Additionally, Fire Point co-founder Denys Shtilierman recently stated that the Ukrainian FP-7 and FP-9 missiles are being developed as counterparts to the American ATACMS.
