Ukrainian defense company Fire Point announced a successful test of its FP-7.X missile, which is expected to be the foundation for the future FREYJA anti-ballistic interceptor. The announcement was made on June 3 by the company’s Chief Technical Officer, Iryna Terekh.
Terekh shared a video of the test, describing it as a significant milestone for the company. She emphasized that the FP-7.X achieved a fully controlled maneuvering flight.
“Regardless of how unrealistic and ambitious this goal may sound today, we are making every possible and impossible effort to make it a reality as soon as possible so that Ukraine can secure its skies independently,” she stated.
Terekh pointed out that countries often lose wars in laboratories and production facilities long before actual combat begins. She noted that underfunding engineering education and relying on foreign technologies creates a strategic deficit that becomes apparent only during wartime. According to her, Ukraine must take the initiative without waiting for changes in government policies or funding.
She further explained that each successful test brings Ukraine closer to technological sovereignty, the ability to develop critical technologies independently and make strategic decisions without dependence on foreign political cycles or priorities.
The FP-7.X missile is constructed from composite materials, reaches speeds of 1,500 to 2,000 meters per second, and measures 7.25 meters in length.
Background on Fire Point
On August 17, 2025, Ukrainian photojournalist Yefrem Lukatsky, working with the Associated Press, visited the production site for the “Flamingo” missiles and shared photos on Facebook. During a press meeting on August 21, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced plans for mass production of the “Flamingo” missiles, confirming that Fire Point is the manufacturer.
Subsequently, the Kyiv Independent reported that the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) is investigating Fire Point over allegations of inflating costs and quantities of drones. The investigation is reportedly linked to businessman and co-owner of “Kvartal 95,” Timur Mindich.
On November 21, Fire Point’s co-owner and chief designer, Denys Shtylerman, revealed that Mindich, who is under suspicion in a corruption case within the energy sector, sought a 50% stake in the company. Shtylerman stated that Mindich and others approached them with an offer after Fire Point’s products underwent testing in March 2024, but the company concluded that the proposal was not competitive.
On April 29, 2026, the media outlet “Ukrainian Truth” published parts of the so-called “Mindich tapes,” allegedly obtained from political sources. In one of the recordings, Mindich and then-Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov discussed Fire Point’s operations, including the potential sale of a stake in the company to foreign investors. The conversation suggested a consideration to sell 33% of the company for $600 million, with $300 million earmarked for company development and the remainder for shareholders.
On April 30, Shtylerman issued an official statement to NABU following the release of the “Ukrainian Truth” article, claiming it contained false information that harmed the company’s reputation. Mindich, who is also implicated in a case regarding misappropriation in Energoatom, has publicly denied any involvement with Fire Point. On December 1, 2025, a preventive measure of detention was chosen for Mindich in absentia. Investigators believe he leads a group that received and laundered money from corruption schemes in the energy sector, and the case may soon be referred to Interpol for his arrest, especially during border crossings.
Fire Point has successfully tested its FP-7.X missile, marking a significant step towards Ukraine's defense capabilities. The company aims for technological independence amid ongoing investigations into its operations.