The FP-7.x anti-ballistic missile, developed by the Ukrainian company Fire Point, will, in its first version, probably be closer to the Patriot PAC-2 missile, with interception to be achieved by detonating the explosive charge. Subsequent modifications of the missile will, however, operate on the basis of “hit-to-kill” technology, i.e., by destroying the target through direct impact, without using an explosion focus. The information was confirmed, in an interview given to The War Zone publication, by the CEO of Fire Point, Irina Tereh.
Main challenge: the guide head
According to this, the actual production of anti-ballistic missiles is already prepared, the remaining issue being related to the missile’s self-guiding head. Tereh specified that, in this field, Fire Point collaborates with two European companies and one Ukrainian company, without being able to specify for now which of the options will be finalized first.
“The ultimate goal is for the entire interception system to cost less than one million euros. I believe that, considering the estimated price range for the self-guiding heads, discussed with our partners, this is possible. Probably not right from the first versions, but certainly in serial production”, explained the company’s director.
The emphasis is on infrared self-guiding heads, one variant being developed by the German company Diehl Defense. Tereh refused to reveal the identity of the other partners, mentioning that he did not receive their consent to be made public.
Regarding the timeline, the company representative stated that it is difficult to provide an exact estimate, but Fire Point expects concrete results in the next few months. In the event of successful development and testing, the company aims to produce at least 2,000 interceptors per year, with the expansion of production to be discussed later.
Details, HERE