The “Fire Point” co-founder Denys Shtilerman reported that last week Ukraine tested its own FP-7.x interceptor missile for air defense systems — it reached an altitude of 25 km, which is the level of the Patriot.
He said this in an interview with the Financial Times.
Shtilerman said the test was successful. The Ukrainian air defense missile was designed to intercept Russian ballistic missiles and drones at altitudes of about 25 km. The interceptor costs about $700 000, while the “Patriot” PAC-3 missile costs about $3.8 million.
According to him, mass production of these missiles could start as early as August 2026 if the German company “Diehl Defense” sells infrared homing heads to Ukraine. Under this condition, the missiles would be ready by 2027.
Ukraine is also developing a comprehensive air defense system “Freyja”. It includes radars, detection and target tracking systems, and command and control systems. The components for this air defense system are to be provided by European partners.
- Ukraine has a shortage of Patriot air defense systems and missiles needed to shoot down ballistic missiles. At the same time, ballistic missiles remain Russiaʼs last major advantage in the war.
- On May 27, President Volodymyr Zelensky sent an urgent letter to Donald Trump and the US Congress about the critical shortage of air defense in Ukraine. He wrote that Ukraine is ready to purchase additional “Patriot” systems and missiles for them. Kyiv also proposed a long-term path to expand the production of these systems and missiles with European allies — completely under US control.
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