Ukraine Tests FP-7.x Missile as Patriot Alternative
Ukraine tests FP-7.x surface-to-air missile as a cheaper Patriot alternative, with Fire Point planning production and Europe supplying Freya system parts.
Ukraine has tested a new surface-to-air missile designed as a cheaper alternative to the Patriot air defense system, according to the Financial Times.
The newspaper, citing Ukrainian arms manufacturer Fire Point, reported that the first flight tests of the FP-7.x missile were recently carried out. Fire Point co-founder Denis Shtilerman said the trials were successful.
The new system is said to be significantly less expensive than its Western counterparts. One FP-7.x interceptor is estimated at around $700,000, compared with roughly $3.8 million for a Patriot PAC-3 missile.
Shtilerman said serial production could begin as early as August this year, but only if Germany supplies Ukraine with infrared homing heads. Fully completed FP-7.x missiles are expected to be produced by 2027. Fire Point also plans to reach a production rate of up to three missiles per day.
According to the Financial Times, other elements of the Freya air defense system, including radars and command-and-control technology, are expected to be provided by Kiev’s European partners.
The FP-7.x reportedly has an interception altitude of 25 kilometers, comparable to Patriot. However, experts doubt that Freya will be able to fully replace more advanced systems of that class.