04/07/2026
Ukraine is developing a new air defense system that could change the way it intercepts ballistic missiles. It is a cheaper alternative to the expensive and scarce Patriot systems.
The project is planned to be implemented in the coming years, Reuters reports.
Ukrainian company Fire Point, manufacturer of the Flamingo cruise missile, is negotiating with European partners to launch a new air defense system by next year.
According to company representatives, this will create a more affordable alternative to the American Patriot systems, which are becoming increasingly less available.
The company’s co-founder and chief designer, Denis Shtilerman, said the main goal is to reduce the cost of intercepting a ballistic missile to less than $1 million. Currently, it often takes two or three missiles, each costing several million dollars, to destroy a single target with the Patriot system.
According to him, achieving this value will be a turning point in the field of air defense. The company plans to carry out the first interception of a ballistic missile by the end of 2027.
Fire Point is also awaiting government approval for an investment from a Middle Eastern conglomerate that values the company at $2.5 billion. If approved, the deal would open up new opportunities, including in space launches and satellite technology.
Ukraine, having gained significant experience during the war with Russia, has become one of the leading developers of low-cost defense technologies. This allows Ukrainian companies to enter international markets against the backdrop of rising global security spending.
At the same time, traditional air defense systems remain limited in production. In particular, the European SAMP/T system is produced in relatively small volumes, while Patriot systems are actively used in various regions of the world, leading to their shortage.
The company is looking for partners among European manufacturers to develop components for the new system, particularly in the areas of radar, missile guidance and communication systems. Potential partners include Hensoldt, Saab, Thales and Weibel.
Fire Point, founded after the full-scale invasion began in 2022, is already one of Ukraine’s largest producers of long-range drones. Its FP5 missile, known as the Flamingo, has been used to strike military targets in Russia at considerable distances.
In addition, the company is completing the development of two new ballistic missiles. The smaller FP-7 missile with a range of about 300 km can be used in the near future and is an analogue of the American ATACMS system. The larger FP-9 missile is capable of carrying a warhead weighing up to 800 kg to a distance of up to 850 km and is due to begin testing soon.
Experts note that the expansion of the use of ballistic missiles could significantly burden Russia’s air defense systems. At the same time, the implementation of a new air defense system by 2027 is considered ambitious, but promising given the high demand for such solutions in the world.
Separately, an investment from a UAE defense company is being considered, which could acquire a 30% stake in Fire Point for $760 million. The deal also includes the creation of infrastructure to launch satellites from the country.
At the same time, the company is receiving requests from Gulf countries to purchase drones. Fire Point can produce up to 2,500 long-range drones per month for export, but this requires approval from the Ukrainian government.
As OBOZ.UA reported, in March 2026, Ukrainian air defense intercepted over 90% of the strike drones used by Russia to attack the country’s territory. At the same time, the enemy significantly increased the number of air targets and used combined strikes with missiles and drones.