China's Expected Low-Cost Version of the "Patriot" to Be in Service Next Year

According to a report by Reference News on August 18, the German newspaper Handelsblatt reported on August 11 that the "Freya" interceptor missile developed by the Ukrainian defense company "Rising Point" is expected to be operational by mid-2027. The company's CEO, Irina Terekh, confirmed this. She stated that a "minimum viable product," which is the first fully operational product, will be launched at that time. Terekh mentioned that mass production should begin by the end of 2027.

The "Rising Point" company carries great hopes. Currently, 10 European countries and 13 European companies are involved in the project. The "Freya" missile defense system will be the second European air defense system designed to intercept ballistic missiles, following the French SAMP-T system. It aims to serve as an alternative to the U.S. "Patriot" system, reducing Europe's dependence on the United States.

For weeks, Ukraine has been suffering from a severe shortage of "Patriot" missiles, making it nearly impossible to defend against Russian ballistic missiles. Since the Iran War, there has been a persistent shortage of "Patriot" missiles, and supplies from the United States have been delayed. As a result, Ukrainian President Zelensky has prioritized the independent development of interceptor missiles.

The cost of the "Freya" missile is expected to be only one-fifth that of similar U.S. missiles. Terekh stated that once mass production begins, the cost per missile will be less than 1 million euros. "Rising Point" plans to produce at least 2,000 "Freya" missiles in the first year. In comparison, U.S. manufacturers Raytheon and Lockheed Martin produce a total of about 600 "Patriot" missiles each year.

Terekh said, "Our system will be as effective as the 'Patriot.' It must accomplish its mission." Its mission is to eliminate the threat of ballistic missiles from Russia while ensuring that explosives do not fall into urban areas. Terekh stated that the interception rate must be maintained between 25% and 50%, similar to the "Patriot" system. To improve the hit rate, at least two interceptor missiles are typically launched to counter one ballistic missile.

"Rising Point" only entered the military production field at the end of 2022 and has quickly grown to become one of the most important defense companies in Europe.

The involvement of European partners means that "Rising Point" no longer has to worry about financing the project. However, Terekh noted that this also makes the integration of various components "very complex." Partners include leading market companies such as Leonardo, Thales, and Saab.

Reports indicate that the German company Diehl Defense (manufacturer of the Iris-T air defense system) may provide the guidance system for the "Freya" missile. Negotiations are still ongoing.

In addition to the "Freya" interceptor missile, named FP-7X, "Rising Point" is also developing two types of ballistic missiles for attack purposes. Terekh stated that the FP-7, with a range of 200 kilometers, is expected to receive usage approval from the Ukrainian government by the end of August. The FP-9, with a range of 850 kilometers, is expected to be launched as a "minimum viable product" by the end of November. (Translated by Nie Litiao)