The Ukrainian company Fire Point has revealed additional details about its FP-7.x interceptor missile, which forms part of the anti-ballistic missile system under project Freya and incorporates off-the-shelf components and parts sourced from European manufacturers.
In particular, details regarding the development of Freya have been clarified. The first test involving the direct interception of a ballistic target is scheduled to take place by July 2027. This was reported by Fire Point's Chief Technical Officer, Iryna Terekh, in an interview with Janes.
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From Defense Express we would like to note that in April, the company's chief designer, Denis Shtilerman, stated in an interview with Reuters that the plan was to carry out the first interception of a ballistic missile by the end of 2027.
In other words, Fire Point now appears to have a somewhat more optimistic timeline for the start of Freya's testing. This may be related to the formation of the Anti-Ballistic Missile Coalition, involving nine European countries (Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom), which aims to promote "joint research and development activities."
In addition, the commentary revealed specifications for the FP-7.x interceptor missile. Its maximum speed is reported to be 2,200 m/s, and its estimated target interception altitude is 20–25 km.
At the same time, earlier figures cited for the missile's speed were in the range of 1,500–2,000 m/s, while an interview mentioned the possibility of intercepting targets at altitudes of up to 25 km and ranges of up to 80 km. In this context, it is worth noting that the FP-7.x interceptor missile is based on the FP-7 ballistic missile, which has a reported speed of 1,500 m/s.
Iryna Terekh also clarified whether the FP-7.x will use hit-to-kill technology to intercept ballistic missiles. Currently, the anti-aircraft missile is designed to use a high-explosive fragmentation warhead as its primary means of destruction. However, plans to equip the missile with kinetic interception capabilities are already in place.
It should be noted that kinetic interception—in which an interceptor directly collides with its target—can destroy a ballistic missile in mid-air, potentially along with its warhead. The PAC-3 MSE for the Patriot system has this capability. Otherwise, the interceptor's close-range detonation and resulting debris may only damage the ballistic missile enough to knock it off course and divert it from its intended target.
At the same time, this is precisely the method of engaging ballistic targets that the FP-7.x was designed to use. After all, the FP-7 is based on the 48N6 anti-aircraft missile, which does not provide kinetic interception. In other words, in terms of its capabilities, the FP-7.x is generally closer to the PAC-2 GEM-T for the Patriot system. However, implementing hit-to-kill capability will most likely require the addition of a lateral maneuvering system, similar to those used by the PAC-3 MSE and Aster 30 missiles.
From the Defense Express side, we urges you to join a fundraising for what is already working: One United Fundraiser: Fundraising by the Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundation for interceptor drones.
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