The FP-7.x ballistic interceptor missile has passed the necessary tests. However, the creation of the Freyja pan-European anti-ballistic shield requires the integration of a whole range of other elements. Denys Shtilerman, co-founder and chief designer of Fire Point, spoke about the current stage of the Freyja system's development, UNN reports.
"The missile as a missile is ready. From an aerodynamic point of view, it fully executes all control commands, and it does so rigidly and aggressively—exactly as needed to intercept ballistics. We have achieved this.
But this is only one element of the system. To actually shoot down ballistic targets, the missile still needs to be integrated with a seeker head, a command center, and radars," he explained in a post on the X social network.
Intercepting ballistic missiles will become possible when a complete complex is created: a seeker head from a leading European company, integration with C2 centers, a secure target designation and correction command channel (datalink) resistant to any EW suppression, and integrated radars.
"We are already working on each of these components together with European partners.
We are doing everything to protect the skies over Ukraine and over the entire continent as quickly as possible," Shtilerman emphasized.
As a reminder
The basis of the Freyja system is the Ukrainian FP-7.x ballistic interceptor missile, created by the Ukrainian manufacturer Fire Point. It is called an analog of the American Patriot PAC-3 system. However, the Ukrainian missiles are significantly cheaper—their price is expected to be around $700,000 per unit, compared to $3.8 million for a single American one.
During a recent test, the FP-7.x reached a flight altitude of 25 kilometers, which is comparable to the performance of the Patriot system.
On June 16, the German radar systems manufacturer Hensoldt joined the project to create the Freyja pan-European anti-ballistic shield.
According to open-source information, in addition to German long-range detection radars, Freyja will also include the Weibel GFTR-2100/48 or Leonardo KRONOS Land illumination and guidance radar. The command post will be based on the Norwegian Kongsberg Fire Distribution Center complex. One of the key features of the system will be its open architecture and the use of Network Access Nodes modules, which will allow for the integration of additional solutions and components.
Data exchange between all elements of the complex will be carried out via the Link 16 tactical channel, standardized according to STANAG 5516. This specific protocol is intended to ensure the integration of Freyja into the existing air defense systems of Ukraine and other European countries.