The German defense company Diehl Defence is considering a partnership with the Ukrainian developer Fire Point for the joint production of Flamingo cruise missiles in Germany. This could be a step towards diversifying defense technologies in Europe.
According to the Financial Times, Diehl Defence CEO Helmut Rauch announced preparations for a series of discussions with Ukrainian partners in the near future to determine possible cooperation. The production of Flamingo missiles in Germany is a realistic scenario that will allow Fire Point to access advanced European technologies and production capabilities.
Germany aims to find an alternative to American Tomahawk missiles, focusing on local production and strengthening NATO countries’ defense capabilities. Diehl Defence, which is already collaborating with Ukraine on other projects, could support Fire Point with its missile guidance systems, ensuring the integration of new defense technologies in Europe.
Fire Point, founded in 2022 after the full-scale Russian invasion, currently produces about 200 Flamingo missiles per month and is working on new developments, including a possible alternative to the Patriot missile systems. This Ukrainian company also plans to increase production through collaboration with Diehl Defence.
However, Fire Point’s history is not without controversies. In particular, the company’s co-owner Denis Shtilerman is linked with Russian business activities and other issues that have drawn interest from the National Anti-Corruption Bureau. Timur Mindich, another well-known entrepreneur, showed interest in acquiring a stake in Fire Point, but the deal was not concluded.
Collaboration with Diehl Defence will not only allow both companies to expand their technological horizons but also could have a significant impact on the entire defense industry in Europe, promoting the development of innovative products and supporting stability in the region.
| Company | Country | Products | Production Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire Point | Ukraine | Cruise missiles, strike drones | 200 missiles per month |
| Diehl Defence | Germany | Defense technologies, guidance systems | Joint production with Fire Point |
