Ukraine’s defense industry has rapidly evolved into a hub of innovation, driven by necessity and limited Western support. Fire Point, a standout drone manufacturer, exemplifies this transformation. Led by Iryna Terekh, the company produces FP-1 drones that have successfully struck deep into Russian territory, disrupting glide bomb attacks and targeting strategic infrastructure. These drones, which cost $55,000 each and carry a 60-kilogram payload, now account for 60% of Ukraine’s deep-strike missions. Fire Point’s growth—from producing 30 drones a month to 100 per day—reflects Ukraine’s strategy to leverage air power as an asymmetric advantage against Russia’s superior resources.
The broader defense ecosystem in Ukraine has flourished since Russia’s 2022 invasion, with hundreds of startups emerging across metallurgy, construction, and IT. Fire Point’s founders, with no prior defense experience, pooled expertise from diverse fields to create drones that rival Iranian-made Shaheds and adapt quickly to battlefield feedback. Their latest project, the FP-5 “Flamingo” cruise missile, can travel 3,000 kilometers and deliver a payload of over 2,500 pounds. As Ukraine positions itself as the “Silicon Valley of defense,” companies operate covertly to avoid Russian strikes, often at risk to nearby civilians. Despite the dangers, the industry continues to expand, with officials preparing for a prolonged and potentially more intense conflict.