Fire Point unveils Project Freya to counter Russian ballistic threats
The Russian missile downing over Kyiv, May 14, 2026 (Photo: REUTERS/Gleb Garanich/File Photo)
Ukraine is developing a secure anti-aircraft and anti-missile defense system with European partners to serve as a cost-effective alternative to the U.S. Patriot system, Fire Point co-owner and chief designer Denys Shtilerman announced on May 14.
In April, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Kyiv was exploring the possibility of creating a joint anti-ballistic system in cooperation with European nations within the next year.
Shtilerman revealed that his defense company is now joining this anti-ballistic coalition and released a presentation detailing the pan-European initiative dubbed Project Freya. The project aims to establish a unified, secure air and missile defense network focused primarily on intercepting ballistic missiles. The proposed defensive shield will utilize the FP-7.x ballistic threat interceptor missile, which Fire Point successfully test-fired in February.
The new system will be fully integrated with other Western air defense components using the NATO standard Link-16 tactical data network.
NV breaks down everything known about Project Freya.
Project Freya
Developer: Ukraine
Target Launch Date: 2027
System Components
FP-7.x Interceptor Missile:
Speed: 1,500–2,000 meters per second
Length: 7.25 meters
Outer Diameter: 1.15 meters
Fuselage Diameter: 0.53 meters
Equipped with a semi-active Image Infra-Red homing head manufactured by Diehl Defence.
Launch Unit: A lightweight, highly mobile Ukrainian-produced launcher.
Early Warning Radars: Ground-based long-range detection systems (options include SAAB Giraffe 8A/4A, Thales Ground Master 400, or Hensoldt TRML-4D).
Targeting Radars: Illumination and guidance radars (Weibel GFTR-2100/48 or Leonardo KRONOS Land).
Command Post: A Kongsberg Fire Distribution Center featuring an open architecture and a Network Access Nodes module, allowing for custom technological integrations.
Network Architecture: The Link-16 tactical data link unifies all components into a single automated system via highly secure communication channels.
The Interception Sequence
Long-range radar detects the hostile target.
ASTERIX channel [channel in missile systems is an open-source data exchange protocol used for connecting radars and passing tracking data - ed.] transmits and processes the initial data.
The command post receives the comprehensive target data.
The illumination and guidance radar locks onto the threat.
The FP-7.x interceptor is guided and launched.
Direct interception of the aerial target.
(Data provided by Fire Point)
Will you support Ukraine’s free press?
Dear reader, as all news organizations, we must balance the pressures of delivering timely, accurate, and relevant stories with requirements to fund our business operations.
As a Ukrainian-based media, we also have another responsibility – to amplify Ukraine’s voice to the world during the crucial moment of its existence as a political nation.
It’s the support of our readers that lets us continue doing our job. We keep our essential reporting free because we believe in our ultimate purpose: an independent, democratic Ukraine.
If you’re willing to support Ukraine, consider subscribing to our Patreon starting from 5$ per month. We are immensely grateful.
Please help us continue fighting Russian propaganda.
Truth can be hard to tell from fiction these days. Every viewpoint has its audience of backers and supporters, no matter how absurd.
If conscious disinformation is reinforced by state propaganda apparatus and budget, its outcomes may become deadly.
There is no solution to this, other than independent, honest, and accurate reporting.
We remain committed to empowering the Ukrainian voice to push against the muck. If you’re willing to stand up for the truth – consider supporting us on Patreon starting from 5$ per month. Thank you very much.
Will you help tell Ukraine’s story to the world?
Twenty years ago, most people hadn’t even heard of Ukraine. Today, the country is on everyone’s lips and everyone’s headlines. War pushed us on the front page. But there are many other things we do that we are proud of – from music and culture to technology.
We need your help to tell the world Ukrainian story of resilience, joy, and survival. If you’re willing to back our effort, consider supporting us on Patreon starting from 5$ per month. We are immensely grateful.
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google News
