Ukrainian Drone Maker Expands into Ballistic Missile Defense with German Partner

Ukraine's leading drone manufacturer, Fire Point, is expanding its operations to include missile defense systems after signing a deal with Germany’s Hensoldt. This strategic move comes as the company continues to play a significant role in Ukraine's long-range strikes against Russian targets deep inside Russia. Fire Point produces several types of drones and missiles used extensively by Ukrainian forces, including the FP-1 and FP-2 strike drones and the FP-5 Flamingo cruise missile. The new partnership aims to develop a low-cost ballistic missile interceptor system named Freyja, which is expected to cost under $1 million per shot—significantly less than existing systems like the U.S.-made Patriot.

Fire Point’s co-founder Denys Shtilerman highlighted the company's growing influence in both offensive and defensive capabilities during an interview at Eurosatory, a major international defense exhibition held recently. He noted that Fire Point drones are responsible for approximately 60% of Ukraine’s strikes inside Russia, targeting oil refineries and other critical infrastructure to disrupt Russian military operations. The FP-2 drone, for instance, successfully hit an oil refinery in the Tyumen region on June 20th, demonstrating its reach well beyond Ukrainian borders.

The company's rapid rise from a casting agency to one of Ukraine’s largest defense contractors has also drawn attention from domestic corruption investigators. Fire Point now holds more than $1 billion in government contracts and is seen as a key player in both offensive campaigns and the development of new defensive technologies. The FP-7.X interceptor system, set for flight testing this year, aims to intercept ballistic missiles at high altitudes with an estimated cost of around $700,000 per shot. This ambitious project seeks to provide affordable and effective missile defense solutions not just for Ukraine but potentially for the entire European region.