Ukraine’s domestic missile developer Fire Point completed a first‑flight test of its new FP‑7.x anti‑missile interceptor last week, a move that could fill the gap left by shortages of U.S. Patriot systems. The flight, described by co‑founder Denys Shtilierman as “pretty successful,” proved the prototype can hit ballistic missiles and drones at 25 km altitude. This development arrives as Kyiv struggles to replace aging PAC‑3 stocks.

Fire Point says the FP‑7.x will cost $700,000 per missile, compared with $3.8 million for a Patriot PAC‑3, according to 2026 U.S. Army estimates. Production could begin in August, pending an infrared seeker from Germany’s Diehl Defence, with finished missiles ready by 2027. Mass output might reach three units a day, far outpacing U.S. output levels.

Ukraine relies on a patchwork of older Soviet gear, U.S. Hawk missiles and German IRIS‑T interceptors, so the FP‑7.x adds a low‑cost layer to its air defence. While the system’s heat‑seeking “last mile” guidance may be less robust than Patriot’s radar, the lower price and rapid domestic production could let Kyiv field thousands of interceptors, tightening coverage against Russian missile raids.