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2026-04-07 09:50:43
[Ukrainian Flamingo Manufacturer Plans to Collaborate with Europe to Launch Low-Cost Air Defense System] (1) The Ukrainian company Fire Point is in talks with several European companies to launch a new air defense system next year as a low-cost alternative to the Patriot missile system. Co-founder Shtilman said the goal is to reduce the cost of intercepting a ballistic missile to below $1 million and plans to achieve the first intercept by the end of 2027. The company is awaiting government approval for an investment from a Middle Eastern consortium that values the company at $2.5 billion. (2) Fire Point is Ukraine's largest manufacturer of long-range drones. Its Flamingo (FP5) cruise missile has struck targets nearly 1,400 kilometers inside Russia. The company is developing two supersonic ballistic missiles: the FP-7 (range about 300 kilometers, similar to ATACMS) is about to be deployed in combat; the FP-9 (range 850 kilometers, can carry an 800-kilogram warhead) is about to be tested. The company produces hundreds of drones daily (costing approximately €50,000 each) and three Flamingo missiles daily (costing approximately €600,000 each), and plans to increase production. (3) The UAE defense company Edge Group plans to acquire a 30% stake in Firepoint for $760 million, a deal that requires approval from the Ukrainian anti-monopoly agency before October. The investment will be used to build a space launch terminal in the UAE, ultimately establishing a European low-Earth orbit satellite constellation. In addition, the company has received drone procurement intentions from Gulf countries and is awaiting government approval for export.
