Ukraine could start test flights for an internally developed ballistic missile capable of reaching Moscow as early as this summer. The announcement comes just days after the Ukrainian defense company Fire Point successfully tested the FP-7.X missile, which will form the basis of the future anti-ballistic interceptor Freyja.
In an interview, Fire Point co-founder Denis Stilerman stated that the company expects to complete engine tests this month, after which it will move on to flight tests of a missile designed to reach the Russian capital, as reported by Kiev Post.
According to the developer, the missile's fuselage, guidance systems, and other key components have already been finalized, with engine testing being the last major obstacle.
If the first launch is successful, subsequent test flights could be directed towards the capital of Russia. "I expect that this summer, or at the latest, at the beginning of autumn, we will start test flights towards Moscow," said Fire Point co-founder Denis Stilerman.
The developer stated that Fire Point is preparing for serial production alongside testing, instead of waiting for the project to mature.
The company plans to manufacture between 10 and 20 missiles for test launches, with production potentially increasing to dozens of units once the model receives official coding and procurement approval.
Decisions regarding operational targets will be made by the Ukrainian military, but attacks on "key symbolic targets" in Moscow could serve as a deterrent to Russia's ongoing attacks on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure.
Separately, Stilerman recently revealed details about Freyja, a joint Ukrainian-European anti-missile defense project designed to intercept Russian ballistic missiles.
According to the developer, the FP-7.X interceptor of the system can reach speeds of up to 2,000 meters per second (4,500 mph) and can track targets using infrared guidance.
The announcement follows Fire Point's successful test of a missile that could become the backbone of the future Freyja system, amid a persistent lack of foreign air defense interceptors.
The company, which produces Ukrainian Flamingo cruise missiles, has released images showing a fully controlled maneuvering flight of the FP-7.X missile.
"No matter how unrealistic and ambitious this goal may seem today, we are making every possible and impossible effort to turn it into reality as soon as possible, so that Ukraine can close its own sky," wrote Irina Tereh, technical director at Fire Point. "Because our true independence is defined, among other things, by our ability to create vital technologies on our own. Isn't it?" she concluded.
According to the company, European radar and command and control system manufacturers are already participating in the Freyja project, and implementation timelines will depend on the pace of integration with international partners.
The first images of these missile launches were published in February this year, as noted by Ukrainska Pravda.
Fire Point presented the concept of the Freyja air defense system in May.
T.D.