Ukrainian defence giant launches satellites, targets global expansion

One of Ukraine’s leading weapons manufacturers has revealed ambitious plans to expand its satellite, drone, and missile programs as Kyiv seeks to reduce dependence on the United States and Western defence suppliers amid ongoing security concerns, Financial Times reports.

Denys Shtilierman, co-founder and chief designer of Fire Point, told the Financial Times that the company had launched two satellites this year and plans to deploy “dozens” more in 2027. He said the firm is also increasing production of cruise and ballistic missiles while developing what he described as a “pan-European air-defence shield.”

“The idea behind our weapons is that we sell not only weapons and not only security, but independence in security,” Shtilierman said.

Ukraine has intensified domestic military innovation since tensions emerged with Washington following last year’s Oval Office clash between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which temporarily disrupted intelligence sharing. Concerns over reliance on Elon Musk’s Starlink system have also pushed Kyiv to seek alternative technologies.

Fire Point, founded after Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, has rapidly become a major player in Ukraine’s defence sector, producing long-range drones and cruise missiles capable of striking deep inside Russian territory. According to Shtilierman, about one-third of Ukraine’s drone strikes inside Russia are carried out using the company’s FP-1 and FP-2 drones.

The company claims its FP-5 “Flamingo” cruise missile has a range of 3,000 kilometres — roughly double that of the US-made Tomahawk missile. Shtilierman said Fire Point currently produces around 200 Flamingos per month but could increase output with additional funding and orders.

European governments and defence firms are reportedly exploring purchases and joint production agreements with Fire Point due to the comparatively low cost of its systems. Germany has shown particular interest, while German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius recently praised Ukraine’s “remarkable” technological advances during a visit to Kyiv.

At the same time, Fire Point remains under scrutiny amid corruption allegations involving executives accused of using political connections linked to President Zelenskyy to secure contracts. Ukrainian authorities and anti-corruption activists are investigating the company’s operations, while Shtilierman has denied any wrongdoing.

“Each rumour creates delays,” he said, referring to stalled international agreements, including a reported Danish contract for rocket fuel production.

Shtilierman also described plans for expanded drone warfare capabilities, including the creation of so-called “kill zones” using autonomous kamikaze drones. “It is very easy for Ukraine to create a kill zone 200km deep inside Iranian territory,” he claimed.

Despite controversy surrounding the company, Fire Point has grown from several dozen employees to nearly 6,000 workers operating across approximately 70 decentralised sites throughout Ukraine.

By Vafa Guliyeva