A Ukrainian defence technology startup has expanded dramatically since Russia’s full-scale invasion, becoming a major part of Kyiv’s long-range drone campaign against Russian targets.

Fire Point, a Kyiv-based missile and drone manufacturer, says its systems now account for more than 60% of Ukraine’s so-called long-range “sanctions”.

The company was founded in response to Russia’s invasion in 2022 and has grown from just three founding members into a workforce of more than 7,000 people.

From 200 Drones to a Massive Production Operation

In its first year, Fire Point produced around 200 drones.

Chief executive Iryna Terekh described that output as a major achievement at the time.

Since then, the company’s production capabilities have expanded rapidly.

Terekh said the company expects it could produce more than 100,000 drones by the end of the year, highlighting the rapid growth of Ukraine’s domestic defence industry.

Ukraine’s Focus on Long-Range Strikes

Fire Point’s growth reflects Ukraine’s increasing emphasis on long-range weapons capable of striking targets far beyond the front line.

Terekh said Ukraine had learned that military strength was an important part of creating pressure for diplomacy.

She argued that Kyiv could not rely solely on diplomatic efforts to influence the course of the war.

Startup Built Around Wartime Demand

Fire Point emerged during one of the most challenging periods in modern Ukrainian history.

The company has since transformed from a small startup into a large defence manufacturer employing thousands of people.

Its expansion also reflects Ukraine’s broader effort to develop domestic weapons production and reduce reliance on foreign military supplies.

The country’s defence technology sector has increasingly focused on drones because they can be produced relatively quickly and used for surveillance, battlefield operations and long-range attacks.

‘We Have to Understand’ the Threat

Terekh said her view of diplomacy changed after Russia’s full-scale invasion.

She recalled previously believing that Ukraine could find a diplomatic solution and avoid further escalation.

But she now argues that the threat posed by Russia requires Ukraine to maintain significant military capabilities.

“We have to understand that we live, unfortunately, in the same timeline with a completely barbarous, imperialistic neighbor,” she told CNBC.

Russia Has Not Responded

Russia’s Foreign Ministry did not respond to CNBC’s request for comment regarding the company’s claims.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously described the conflict in terms of restoring Russia’s influence and reversing what Moscow considers the country’s post-Soviet decline.

For Ukraine, the rapid rise of companies such as Fire Point represents a broader shift toward building a domestic defence industry capable of supporting the country’s military campaign over the long term.