Other countries want to have FP-1 drones in service – CEO of Fire Point
Kyiv • UNN
Weapons without real testing make no sense, which is why Ukraine is currently testing weapons against future threats, believes Iryna Terekh
Many Western companies seek to conduct research and development of new weapons, particularly drones, in Ukraine. After all, weapons that have not been tested on the battlefield make no sense to produce. This was stated in an interview with the Italian publication Corriere della Sera by the CEO and CTO of the Ukrainian defense company Fire Point, Iryna Terekh, reports UNN.
"I am convinced that weapons not tested in real conditions make no sense. The Ukrainian battlefield is the most difficult test. Anyone who thinks they can produce drones never tested here and use them against future threats is naive. Many Western companies have understood this and are conducting research and development in Ukraine," said Terekh.
Fire Point produces, among other things, the FP-1 and FP-2 strike drones for deep and middle strikes, respectively. The FP-1 has proven itself as an effective UAV for strikes on targets deep in Russia's rear. According to the company, its latest modification is capable of covering a distance of 3,400 km.
"We maintain contacts with several governments that want to have the FP-1 in their armies, and with foreign companies interested in industrial partnerships," Iryna Terekh told the Italian publication, emphasizing that Ukraine is the company's priority.
The company also manufactures the Flamingo missile. Currently, according to the CEO of Fire Point, 200 such missiles are produced per month.
"Our maximum production capacity is 200 missiles per month, and that is what our production facilities are designed for. But it depends on contracts. If they are unstable, there is no point in increasing production, hiring staff, and then restructuring everything. If part of the European credit funds were allocated to the production of Flamingo missiles, we could achieve this (an increase in the number of missiles produced - ed.)," explained Terekh.
Among the company's products ready for launch are ballistic missiles.
"The most important thing is that Ukraine is launching its own ballistic missile program. This is a luxury that few countries can boast of. Our program is highly vertically integrated: within Ukraine, within the company, and in Europe. The FP-7 is undergoing certification. The FP-9 is nearing completion. Tests will begin in the fall," stated Terekh.