Ukraine Turns to DIY Missile Production as Western Aid Falters
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) – As supplies of Western weaponry dwindle and the war with Russia grinds on, Ukraine is increasingly relying on its own ingenuity – and the power of online tutorials – to produce long-range missiles capable of striking deep inside Russian territory. A burgeoning domestic arms industry, spearheaded by the Kyiv-based firm Fire Point, is challenging Russia’s long-held advantage in the “tyranny of distance,” though significant hurdles remain.
For months, Ukraine has demonstrated an ability to strike Russian infrastructure with domestically produced drones. But the development of ballistic and cruise missiles, like the “Sapsan” and “Flamingo,” represents a significant leap forward. The Flamingo, a private-sector initiative, can reportedly hit targets up to 3,000 kilometers (1,864 miles) away, carrying a payload of up to 1,150 kilograms (2,535 pounds). In February, one such missile struck a military production complex in Votkinsk, over 1,000 km (621 miles) east of Moscow, causing substantial damage.
“Until now, Russia has exploited the tyranny of distance to protect its defense industry,” said George Barros of the U.S. Institute for the Study of War. “U.S. and European missiles can degrade Russian supplies, but they are finite. And Ukrainian drones can’t carry the payloads necessary to inflict serious damage on underground armament production and other targets.”
The speed of Ukraine’s development is remarkable. Iryna Terekh, technical director at Fire Point, revealed the company has been leveraging readily available information. “We found the technology on YouTube,” she told Ukrainian media, adding that while experimentation and in-house expertise are crucial, the basic formula for rocket propellant is “not much more complicated than mixing concrete.”
This resourcefulness comes at a critical juncture. The flow of U.S. Extended Range Attack Munitions – a hybrid cruise missile/bomb – has slowed due to the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran. Initial promises from the Trump administration of Tomahawk missiles have also gone unfulfilled.
Fire Point’s rapid ascent is emblematic of this shift. Founded in 2022 by a film producer, IT developer, and architect, the company has grown from 12 employees to around 3,700, fueled by a “Danish model” of financing that allows for direct foreign investment. It now produces tens of thousands of drone units annually and is gearing up for serial production of the Flamingo, currently at a rate of one missile per day. Future projects, the FP-7 and FP-9 ballistic missiles, are designed to reach Moscow.
However, challenges persist. Ukraine still lags far behind Russia in overall missile production capacity. In February alone, Russia launched 288 ballistic and cruise missiles into Ukraine. While Ukrainian production is expected to increase throughout 2026, it won’t match Russia’s output anytime soon.
Furthermore, questions have been raised about transparency and potential corruption surrounding Fire Point. Ukrainska Pravda reported on concerns regarding the allocation of state contracts and the company’s ownership structure, including the past involvement of individuals implicated in energy corruption scandals. No specific allegations have been proven.
Experts caution against overstating the immediate impact. “Ballistic capability is among the hardest and most expensive to build,” said Ihor Fedirko of the Ukrainian Council of Defence Industry. “It takes money, time, testing, engineering continuity.” He emphasized that while Ukrainian-made missiles are cheaper – a Flamingo costs less than $1 million compared to the $1.6-1.9 million price tag of a U.S. JASSM – they don’t yet match the maturity and rigorous testing of Western systems.
Despite these caveats, the development represents a crucial strategic shift. As Barros noted, the war is “dynamic,” and Ukraine’s ability to independently produce and deploy long-range weaponry levels the playing field, giving Kyiv sole control over target selection.
