Wikipedia

Fire Point (Ukrainian firm)

(Redirected from Fire Point FP-7)

Fire Point is a Ukrainian defence technology company headquartered in Kyiv. Founded in 2022 in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, it specializes in the design, development, and production of long-range strike drones and cruise missiles. The company's flagship products are the FP-1 series of deep-strike drones and the FP-5 Flamingo cruise missile, both of which have been deployed by the Armed Forces of Ukraine to conduct precision strikes inside Russian-held territory.[1][2]

Fire Point
TypePrivate
IndustryDefence technology
Founded2022; 4 years ago (2022)
FounderDenys Shtilerman (co-founder)
Headquarters
Kyiv
,
Ukraine
Area served
Ukraine
Key people
  • Denis Shtilerman (Chief Designer)
  • Mike Pompeo (Advisory Board member)
Products
  • FP-1 series (Long-range strike drones)
  • FP-2 series (Mid-range strike drones)
  • FP-5 Flamingo (Cruise missile)
  • FP-7 (Ballistic missile)
  • FP-7.x (Anti-Ballistic missile)
  • FP-9 (Ballistic missile)
Production output
  • FP-1: 100 units/day
  • FP-5: 30–210 units/month (2025)
Number of employees
500+ (2025)
Websitefirepoint.technology

History

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Fire Point was established in mid-2022 by a group of engineers, architects, and game designers seeking to develop cost-effective, high-performance unmanned aerial systems in support of Ukraine's defence industry. Initially operating in makeshift workshops, the company rapidly scaled to multiple covert production facilities across Kyiv and surrounding regions.[1]

In late 2024, Fire Point unveiled its FP-1 series of long-range “deep-strike” drones, capable of reaching targets up to 1,600 km away. Production increased from an initial target of 30 units per month to over 100 units per day by mid-2025, with each drone costing approximately US$55,000 to manufacture.[1]

In 2025, Fire Point unveiled the FP-5 "Flamingo" cruise missile, weighing 6,000 kg with a warhead of 1,150 kg and a maximum range of 3,000 km. The company invited journalists from the Associated Press to tour a production facility where the missiles were being built.[3]

In August 2025, it was reported that the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) had launched an investigation into Fire Point, examining whether the company inflated the cost of components used in its products, the number of drones supplied to Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence, or both. The probe was reported to be also looking into possible links between the company and Timur Mindich, co-owner of the Kvartal 95 television studio founded by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.[4][5] The company confirmed the existence of an investigation while denying the allegations.[4] NABU initially declined to comment, before stating that the FP-5 Flamingo missile was not under investigation.[6]

Mindich left Ukraine hours before another wider NABU investigation was announced on 10 November 2025.[7][8] Fire Point created an advisory board on 12 November, and former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was reported to have joined this board on 17 November.[9]

On 13 July 2026, a joint statement from ten nations established a Anti-Ballistic Missile Coalition to strengthen missile defense in Europe. President Zelensky said that the coalition will support the Firepoint Freya project to develop a much more affordable option than the American-made Patriot system.[10]

Products

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Drones

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FP-1 series

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The FP-1 is a propeller-driven one-way attack drone with a 1,600 km range when carrying a 50 kg warhead, and a maximum warhead size of 120 kg.[11][12] Its design emphasises modularity, ease of assembly, and electronic warfare resilience. The system has been credited with conducting more than 60 percent of Ukrainian strikes deep inside Russian territory, targeting ammunition depots, oil refineries, and command centres.[1] Future upgrades will increase the baseline warhead weight to 105 kg while maintaining range.[13]

FP-2 series

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In response to demand from frontline units, the FP-2 series of drones was developed as a mid-range alternative to the FP-1. The design of the FP-1 was adapted for a reduced range of 200 km, while its warhead weight was increased to 105 kg.[12] Some warheads used by the FP-2 series are existing aerial bombs, while others are developed by outside suppliers. A future upgrade will increase the FP-2's warhead weight to 158 kg.[13] Major Robert Brovdi, commander of the Unmanned Systems Forces (Ukraine), complained about the quality of warheads used in FP-2 drones. Six Ukrainian FP-2 drones struck a command post of the 58th Guards Combined Arms Army in Kadiivka. Brovdi claimed that only two would have been required, instead of six, if “the warheads had performed to their declared specifications.” Fire Point’s co-founder and chief designer Denis Shtilerman claimed the warheads came from third party suppliers but quality control was maintained through routine inspections.[14]

Missiles

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FP-5 Flamingo cruise missile

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Announced in early 2025, the FP-5 Flamingo is a ground-launched cruise missile with a range of up to 3,000 km and a warhead mass of 1,150 kg. Its airframe is constructed using radar-transparent fiberglass winding, a technique typically reserved for ballistic missiles. Production ramp-up began with 30 units per month in mid-2025, with a goal of 210 units per month by October 2025.[2] Ukrainian sources claimed that Flamingo missiles were used in August 2025 to successfully target a Federal Security Service outpost in Crimea, in what was described as their first combat use.[15][16]

FP-7

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The FP-7 is a tactical ballistic missile with an operational range of up to 200 km, a top speed of approximately 1,500 m/s, and a warhead weighing around 150 kg.[17] The missile can remain in flight for up to 250 seconds and achieves an estimated accuracy (circular error probable, CEP) of about 14 m when launched from ground-based platforms for operational strikes.[18] A FP-7 was tested on 28 February 2026, based on a Soviet S-400 missile system interceptor, the 48N6, it has been simplified. Using a "hot launch", the missile "ignites its solid-fuel motor directly from the launcher and travels along an inclined guide rail rather than launching vertically". While based on a Soviet-era missile, it is made of carbon fibre and has modern electronics. Using Ukrainian-made solid fuel, a hot launch could allow for a faster deployment and better concealment.[19] The FP-7 is said to be half the cost of a ATACMS. It has a range of "several hundred kilometres" and could have a "much larger warhead" than the ATACMS. According to the company the launchers can be disguised as "ordinary trucks".[20]

FP-7.x

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Fire Point released footage of the test launch of the FP-7.x missile. This version of the FP-7 is an anti-ballistic missile and is planned to be an analog of the Patriot missile, to intercept ballistic missiles.[21] The missile is solely designed to destroy ballistic missiles by the use of a kill vehicle with an estimated speed of 1,500–2,000 m/s (4,900–6,600 ft/s; Mach 4.4 – Mach 5.9) and a length of 7.25 m (24 ft) meters. Part of the European Freya anti-ballistic missile program, the missile has open architecture and can be used with Saab Giraffe 8A/4A, Thales Ground Master 400 or Hensoldt TRML-4D radars.[22] Firepoint announced plans to work with German company Diehl Defence on guidance.[23]

Product announcements

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On 4 September 2025, at the MSPO defense exhibition in Poland, Fire Point unveiled two new ballistic missile systems, designated FP-7 and FP-9, alongside plans for air defense systems.[17][18][24] Both missiles ascend into high trajectories before descending on their targets, making their high terminal speeds a challenge for most air defense systems.[24]

The FP-9 is a short-range ballistic missile capable of striking targets up to 855 km away, with a velocity up to 2,200 m/s and an 800 kg warhead.[24] It can reach altitudes of around 70 km and maintains an accuracy of roughly 20 m, targeting high-value assets deep within enemy lines.[17]

On 20 June 2026, President Zelenskyy claimed a new Fire Point drone[which?] can hit targets at up to distance of 3,000 kilometres.[25]

Operations

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Fire Point's manufacturing occurs in concealed facilities to mitigate the risk of Russian air attacks. The company employs over 500 personnel, including engineers, technicians, and support staff. It works closely with the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine and domestic military research institutes on system integration and battlefield feedback loops.

References

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  1. 1 2 3 4 ABC News (21 August 2025). "This Ukrainian startup makes drones — and soon, cruise missiles — to strike deep inside Russia". Retrieved 23 August 2025.
  2. 1 2 Defense Express (20 August 2025). "Ukrainian Fire Point FP-5 Flamingo in Detail: Warhead From the U.S., Possibly Bunker-Buster, and Ballistic Missile Body". Retrieved 23 August 2025.
  3. ↑ Kullab, Samya; Lukatsky, Efrem. "A Ukrainian startup develops long-range drones and missiles to take the battle to Russia". The Associated Press. Retrieved 2025-08-21.
  4. 1 2 "Exclusive: Maker of Ukraine's new Flamingo cruise missile facing corruption probe". The Kyiv Independent. 2025-08-29. Retrieved 2025-09-01.
  5. ↑ "Ukraine's anti-corruption agency investigates Flamingo missile producer – Kyiv Independent". Ukrainska Pravda. Retrieved 2025-09-01.
  6. ↑ "NABU denies information about investigation into Fire Point's Flamingo cruise missile". Ukranews. 2025-08-30. Retrieved 2025-09-01.
  7. ↑ Deprez, Fabrice (15 November 2025). "Bags of cash and a gold toilet: the corruption crisis engulfing Zelenskyy's government". Financial Times.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  8. ↑ Sorokin, Oleksiy (12 November 2025). "Zelensky imposes sanctions against close associates following $100 million corruption scandal". The Kyiv Independent. Retrieved 17 November 2025.
  9. ↑ Fornusek, Martin (17 November 2025). "Mike Pompeo joins advisory board of scrutinized Ukrainian defense firm Fire Point". The Kyiv Independent. Retrieved 17 November 2025.
  10. ↑ Fornusek, Martin (2026-07-13). "Ukraine, 9 European partners launch anti-ballistic missile coalition to support Freya air defense project". Kyiv Independent.
  11. ↑ "It can fly up to 1600 km: Ukraine presents FP-1 attack drone". Militarnyi. 2025-05-06. Retrieved 2026-03-20.
  12. 1 2 "Fire Point to Develop Deep-Strike Version of FP-2 While Retaining 105 kg Warhead". Militarnyi. 2026-03-01. Retrieved 2026-03-20.
  13. 1 2 "Fire Point to Increase FP-2 Strike Drone Warhead to 158 kg". Militarnyi. 2026-03-10. Retrieved 2026-03-20.
  14. ↑ Dylan Malyasov (2026-04-24). "Ukraine's top drone commander calls out warhead quality problems". Defence Blog. Retrieved 2026-04-25.
  15. ↑ "FSS Facility in Crimea Hit by Flamingo Missiles, Not Neptune — Sources". Militarnyi. Retrieved 2025-08-31.
  16. ↑ Siemaszko, Corky (30 August 2025). "Ukraine's New 'Flamingo' Missile Strikes Russian Facility in Crimea: Report". Newsweek. Retrieved 2 September 2025.
  17. 1 2 3 "Ukrainian firm unveils new FP-7, FP-9 ballistic missiles, air defense systems". The Kyiv Independent. 4 September 2025. Retrieved 4 September 2025.
  18. 1 2 "Manufacturer of Flamingo announced the development of its own ballistic missiles FP-7 and FP-9". Ukrainian National News. 4 September 2025. Retrieved 4 September 2025.
  19. ↑ Sofiia Syngaivska (28 February 2026). "Fire Point Demonstrates FP-7 System: 200 km Ballistic Missile with 150 kg Warhead (Video)". Defence Express. Retrieved 10 March 2026.
  20. ↑ "Ukraine is developing a cheap ATACMS analogue with a range of up to 800 km: what is known about the missile". UNN. 28 February 2026. Retrieved 10 March 2026.
  21. ↑ "Why Second Known Launch of FP-7 Ballistic Missile Matters So Much, What Ukraine Was Really Testing". Defense Express. 4 June 2026. Retrieved 4 June 2026.
  22. ↑ "After successful FP-7 tests, Fire Point co-owner Shtilerman urged Europe to accelerate the implementation of the Freya project". UUN. 4 June 2026. Retrieved 4 June 2026.
  23. ↑ "Ukraine Reveals First FP-7.x Anti-Ballistic Missile for Future European Shield". UNITED24 Media. 13 July 2026. Retrieved 13 July 2026.
  24. 1 2 3 "Ukraine's Fire Point unveils FP-7 and FP-9 ballistic missiles, building on Flamingo success". United24 Media. 4 September 2025. Retrieved 4 September 2025.
  25. ↑ IVAN KHOMENKO (21 June 2026). "Ukraine's New Long-Range Drones Can Strike Targets Up to 3,000 Kilometers Away, Zelenskyy Says". united24media.
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