Fire Point is working on developing its own engine for the FP-5 Flamingo rocket
The Ukrainian FP-5 “Flamingo” missile, as well as other domestically developed ballistic systems, currently rely on certain Western components. At the same time, Fire Point is working to localize the production of critical parts and develop its own turbojet engine.
According to Fire Point co-founder and chief designer Denis Shterlerman, there is currently only one component used in the ballistic missile projects and the FP-5 that is not manufactured in Ukraine. The company is already working on localizing it, but due to the complexity of the technology, this process will take time.
“Right now, we have a single component in our ballistic systems and the FP-5 that is not manufactured in Ukraine. And this is very important. We are currently working to manufacture this component domestically. But this is very high-tech equipment. It will take time,” Stilerman noted.
He also noted that one of the biggest challenges for the production of the “Flamingo” has been the reliance on imported turbojet engines, which is subject to export restrictions by Western countries. According to the designer, the company is addressing this issue in two ways. First, Fire Point has learned to expedite the process of obtaining export licenses in the U.S. and European countries. Second, it is developing its own engine for the rocket.
“We are developing our own engine for ‘Flamingo.’ We’ve already developed it. Right now, we’re assembling the first 10 test units—and then we’ll gradually transition to our own engine,” Stilerman said.
He also noted that the FREYJA air defense system, which Fire Point is developing in collaboration with European partners, also relies on Western components. The system is based on the Ukrainian FP-7.x interceptor missile; however, for the system to function fully, it requires radars, homing heads, data transmission channels, and other components to be provided by European partners.
Stilman spoke about this on July 8 in an interview with LIGAnet.
As a reminder, Zelenskyy revealed the first details about the “iron dome” that will protect Ukraine and Europe.
The State Audit Service has published the results of its audit of Fire Point’s contracts.
