The manufacturer of Ukrainian strike drones and cruise missiles has detailed the history of the company, the application of its products, future plans, and addressed questions about potential connections with Timur Mindich and criticism from Yuri Kasyanov, reports 24brussels.
In recent months, the Fire Point company and its drone, the Flamingo, have been widely discussed, with commentary from various parties. The focus has shifted beyond the context of destruction of military facilities and fuel depots, to media speculation regarding potential links to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s partner, Timur Mindich, ongoing investigations by NABU, and the concerns surrounding the utilization of the Flamingo missile.
A correspondent sought out in-depth information on these issues, securing an interview with Denis Shtilerman, the chief designer of Fire Point and creator of the FP-1 drone and the FP-5 Flamingo missile.
— Mr. Denis, please provide a retrospective on the beginning of your company’s activities. How did everything start?
— I believe it began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. My friends and I began to assist the military by providing food, logistics support to artillery units, refueling artillery, and transporting personnel to combat positions. Everyone contributed in some capacity, whether through financial aid or action.
Subsequently, I started purchasing drones on my own and discovered a significant absence of available products on the market. Existing options were prohibitively expensive. Thus, in November 2022, we decided to develop a drone with a payload capacity of 50 kilograms and a range of around 800 kilometers, aimed at a maximum price of $60,000. We succeeded in creating the drone, albeit with challenges, and then connected with the Special Operations Forces, who recognized the potential of our product and provided support — for which we are very grateful.
We completed our first drone in 2022 and began flight testing in January 2023. By May, we already had it codified. In August, we secured our first contract for 50 units, followed by another for 150 units; these were small initial batches, which we manufactured and delivered to the military.
2024 started without contracts, facing difficulties for the initial months. Subsequently, the U.S. Embassy, along with defense forces, organized trials at a special range. Many manufacturers participated—names I prefer not to disclose. However, Fire Point emerged as the only company to pass all tests successfully, marking a significant triumph for us.
— What were the goals of these trials?
— During the tests, we successfully navigated past several electronic warfare (EW) systems in automatic mode, not just basic ones, but very serious systems, overcoming all obstacles. Also, we demonstrated target accuracy under EW influence and showcased the combat capabilities of our warhead. This led to a thorough analysis by both domestic and international specialists, resulting in substantial orders for us. Our drones have achieved notable successes against Russian targets.
Locations such as Tikhoretsk, Toropets, Kotluban, Borisoglebsk, Morozovsk, and Baltimore, along with numerous Russian fuel depots, are all part of our defense forces’ successes thanks to our drones, made possible after those trials.
— I cannot help but be skeptical on this issue: Ukraine has numerous strike drone projects with substantial capabilities, yet their manufacturers have not received significant contracts for years. Do you believe the issue solely lies with trials at the range?
— Compete in open trials or contests, and then you’ll receive funding. If you have a successful case that operates in reality rather than merely on paper, you will secure contracts.
For instance, many manufacturers currently showcase their CRPA antennas, claiming they function effectively. However, when we test them, they prove to be worthless. Well-known brands also present their navigation systems, which often significantly differ from their advertised qualities. Produce quality products, and you’ll win contracts; it’s that straightforward.
— So, you believe that the key recipe for obtaining large state orders lies solely in the quality and effectiveness of the products?
— The recipe consists of creating something that genuinely works. For instance, under one contract, we delivered a batch of FP-1 drones to a client, which were stored in puddles for four months. In theory, they should have been completely unusable afterward. We retrieved them, repaired them, changed the antennas that had stopped working, replaced various components, and they flew off successfully.
Returning to our history, a crucial turning point was when we began to achieve regular hits. This confirmed the effectiveness and all declared characteristics of our drone. By 2024, our drone started operating in large numbers and effectively. However, we noticed that previously functional navigation solutions no longer worked, and antennas which had never been suppressed by EW were being disrupted. We needed to seek new solutions. We identified several manufacturers producing the best antennas, and to counter spoofing, we developed our own detection algorithm, which has proven effective. As of now, we can confidently state that our drones cannot be spoofed.
— If the FP-1 is so reliable, what can you say about the strikes conducted by your drones on Moscow, which undoubtedly represents a primary target for Ukraine right now? Why have we yet to see an FP-1 in the skies over Moscow?
— It is exceedingly challenging to penetrate Moscow due to its extensive air defense network. They have numerous helicopters that are deployed en masse to intercept drones. Accessing Moscow is incredibly difficult, though not impossible. We are actively working on this. As of autumn 2025, we understand that the future lies in operating in environments without GPS. Accordingly, we created a functioning solution — a night map-matching system that operates at low altitudes. While daytime map-matching has existed for some time, nighttime implementation has been rather limited, especially at low altitudes.
— Could you explain the details to our readers?
— You fly, for example, at an altitude of 50 meters, capturing several terrain points. The system instantly compares those points with coordinates uploaded at launch, thereby correcting its flight path as needed. This enables successful navigation throughout the entire route to the target.
Previously, this system only functioned at least 150 meters above ground at night. For us, that altitude is nearly guaranteed to trigger radar detection and interception, which is why we had to significantly enhance our system. I believe we can even term such a modification a game-changer.
One remaining aspect is necessary: establishing a satellite constellation to ensure independent communication throughout Russian territory and to provide intelligence. Once that is in place, everything will run ideally.
— Why can’t Ukraine simply purchase satellites from partners, or gain access to them?
— That’s an entirely different matter. If you buy someone’s satellite, you become dependent on that country. For instance, if you acquire a satellite from an American company, there could easily arise a situation where you spend significant money only for the government to prohibit you from using the satellite. We are discussing a domain where independence is critically important.
— Let’s discuss your cruise missile. How did the story of the Flamingo begin, and what is its primary distinction compared to competitors?
— In 2024, we decided to develop our own cruise missile. One of our partners proposed the notion of creating a clone of the Strizh, the Soviet Tu-141. Upon assessment, we immediately recognized that this was an unfeasible idea. Ultimately, we utilized only its booster. We proceeded to create a missile that is now the best in terms of range and warhead weight worldwide. Additionally, it employs a modern solution at a reasonable price.
— Which specific solution are you referring to?
— I refer to countering spoofing, which remains a vital concern for all similar projects — they often aren’t aware of the electronic environment they will be operating in. Moreover, a significant detail is that our missile is composed of composites, making it less visible to radar than aluminum missiles.
— Regarding production rates. You mentioned producing six missiles per day by the end of the year.
