Fire Point aims to build cheaper Patriot alternative by 2027

Nation

7 April, 11:28 AM

Ukrainian missile and drone manufacturer Fire Point plans to develop its own air defense system by 2027 that it says would be a low-cost alternative to the Patriot, Fire Point co-founder and chief designer Denys Shtilierman told Reuters on April 6.

Shtilierman said Patriot batteries often require two or three interceptors to shoot down a single incoming ballistic missile, and each one costs several million dollars. Fire Point aims to cut the cost of its interceptor to under $1 million.

“If we can decrease it to less than $1 million, it will be ... a game changer in air defense solutions,” he told Reuters.

“We plan to intercept the first ballistic missile at the end of 2027.”

Reuters reported that Fire Point is in talks with European companies about developing the new system, but Shtilierman declined to identify the firms. He said Fire Point is "deeply interested" in cooperation on radars, missile guidance and communications — areas where it lacks experience.

The report noted stocks of Patriot missiles have been drawn down because of their use in the Persian Gulf, and that the European SAMP/T system is produced in relatively small numbers.

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