Ukrainian defense company Fire Point has announced a significant acceleration in the development of an anti-missile defense system codenamed "Freya." According to co-founder and chief designer Denis Stilyerman, the first interceptor missiles could be ready by the end of the current year.
Key technological partnerships
To realize its ambitious plans, the company is actively concluding international contracts. Fire Point has signed an agreement with a European partner for the supply of infrared homing heads for future interceptor missiles. Simultaneously, negotiations are underway with another firm regarding the integration of radio frequency guidance systems, although the names of the companies are not yet disclosed.
An important step was the signing of a memorandum with the Munich-based company Hensoldt. The German partner will provide the TRML-4D radar, which will serve as the "eyes" of the Freya system, ensuring target detection at long distances.
The war factor: development speed
Denis Stilyerman notes that the conditions of military operations in Ukraine have become a catalyst for innovation. The removal of bureaucratic barriers allows for testing within compressed timeframes. According to him, what takes six months to a year in Europe can be achieved in Ukraine in just one day.
"If every European government starts to act quickly, we can begin work on interceptors by the end of this year," emphasized the designer, linking the project's success to the political will of partner countries.
Testing and new missiles
The company has already conducted the first test of the FP-7.X interceptor missile, which will form the basis of the Freya project. This device is capable of developing speeds from 1500 to 2000 meters per second. In the summer, flight tests of the FP-9 ballistic missile are planned, equipped with an 800-kilogram warhead and capable of striking targets at a distance of up to 850 km. Combat tests of this model are expected in the autumn.
Investment valuation and international cooperation
The growth of the company's ambitions is reflected in its capitalization. A previously discussed offer from a Middle Eastern investor to purchase 30% of the shares for $760 million was rejected, as Fire Point's valuation exceeded this amount. According to Stilyerman, a well-known investment bank valued the company at $5.8 billion.
At the state level, cooperation is also expanding. In Ramstein, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov signed an agreement with Germany on the joint development of an anti-ballistic program, in which Fire Point will play a key role. In addition, the company is negotiating with the German Ministry of Defense on the production of "Flamingo" cruise missiles.