This Ukrainian startup makes drones — and soon, cruise missiles — to strike deep inside Russia

A recent drone strike on a Russian ammunition depot highlighted Ukraine's resolve to penetrate deep into enemy territory and showcased the capabilities of its growing defense industry. This event was particularly significant for Iryna Terekh, the head of production at Fire Point, the company responsible for these drones, which traveled over 1,000 kilometers to execute the mission. "Air combat represents our principal asymmetric advantage on the battlefield right now, given our limited manpower and resources compared to Russia," Terekh stated while overseeing a production line of 'deep-strike drones' set to aid Ukrainian forces in targeting crucial sites such as arms depots and oil refineries. Faced with an existential threat from Russia and limited military support from Western nations, Ukraine has rapidly evolved into a hub for defense innovation. The objective is to match or even surpass Russian military capabilities, with Fire Point at the forefront of this endeavor. An exclusive look granted by the Associated Press to one of Fire Point's covert facilities revealed a bustling warehouse atmosphere, where executives proudly showcased their flagship FP-1 drones, capable of a range of up to 1,600 kilometers. They also unveiled a newly developed cruise missile expected to reach ranges of 3,000 kilometers, which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy aims to have mass-produced by year’s end. Despite external pressures, including calls from U.S. President Donald Trump for an end to the ongoing conflict, Ukrainian defense leaders emphasize the need for self-reliance in national defense. "Our best assurance comes from our own ability to defend ourselves rather than relying on external assurances," expressed Arsen Zhumadilov, head of Ukraine's arms procurement agency. The Ukrainian government currently invests around $10 billion annually in local defense manufacturing, with the industry capable of tripling that output, especially with potential sales to European allies on the horizon. The emergence of companies like Fire Point has been a direct response to the challenges posed by Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. With Western nations hesitant to provide long-range weaponry to Ukraine, a group of friends with diverse backgrounds banded together to create affordable drones designed to counter the Iranian-made Shahed drones used by Russia. Operating under conditions of strict secrecy, the founders—who prefer to remain anonymous for security reasons—combined their expertise in construction, game design, and architecture to develop drones that not only fly further but also strike with greater accuracy. Notably, these drones do not require traditional airfields for takeoff, enhancing their operational flexibility. Since Terekh joined the company in the summer of 2023, production has surged from a target of 30 drones a month to approximately 100 units daily, each costing about $55,000. The FP-1 may appear rudimentary, but its effectiveness on the battlefield has been proven, accounting for 60% of strikes deep within Russian territory. As the conflict continues, Fire Point is not alone in its efforts. Hundreds of defense startups have emerged since the invasion, encouraged by government initiatives aimed at fostering innovation and collaboration with military units. This shift has positioned Ukraine as a burgeoning center for defense technology, where ideas can be quickly tested and adapted in real-time combat scenarios. As the war rages on, Fire Point is not only focused on drones but also on developing more sophisticated weaponry. Their latest project, the FP-5 cruise missile, is capable of delivering a significant payload and is expected to enter production soon. Despite ongoing discussions about peace, Terekh expresses skepticism about Russia's willingness to engage in any genuine negotiations, stating, "We are preparing for a larger, more daunting conflict."