The FZ123 missile uses an electronic timing detonator to detonate the warhead near the target, dispersing a cloud of fragmentation. Photo: Defence-Update
Ukraine has received the first batch of the new FZ123 anti-drone missile developed by Thales’ Belgian subsidiary. This anti-drone missile has already successfully entered the Armed Forces of Ukraine, becoming part of a new strategy to strengthen air defence and opening up prospects for localised production in Ukraine. This was reported by TimeUkraineIsrael, citing ForcesOperations.
A new step towards strengthening defence
The task of strengthening Ukraine’s air defence shield has become a priority, which has led to the creation of a plan to produce FZ123 missiles on Ukrainian soil. In November, an important agreement was signed between Thales’ Belgian subsidiary and Ukrainian industrial companies. This will not only allow Ukraine to significantly strengthen its defence against waves of Russian Shahed drones, but also provide the possibility of mass production of missiles in the near future.
“I am grateful to Thales for their cooperation and important assistance in the fight against Russian aggression,” said Herman Smetanin, Minister of Strategic Industrial Production of Ukraine, during the signing of the agreement. He emphasised the importance of this step in meeting the immediate need for highly effective and affordable means of countering unmanned systems used by the enemy.
Innovative missile to combat drones
The FZ123 missile, presented for the first time at Eurosatory, is an unguided weapon that delivers an “airburst”. The missile is equipped with several thousand steel balls attached to an explosive to defeat unmanned aerial vehicles. Its triggering, programmed before the shot, creates a cloud of shrapnel that can effectively damage the drone or lead to its destruction.
With a range of up to 3,000 metres, this missile is an effective alternative to large-calibre machine guns used to destroy drones. At the same time, it saves on the use of expensive and rare guided munitions. The FZ123 missile has already proven its effectiveness in combat and is becoming an important element of Ukraine’s defence against Russian attacks.
Localising production and supporting Europe
The project of localised production of FZ123 missiles in Ukraine, with the support of Thales, is expected to become an important milestone in the development of the Ukrainian defence industry. Thanks to cooperation with Belgian partners, Ukraine will be able to master missile assembly technologies on its territory, which will allow for mass production of up to several thousand missiles per year.
The first deliveries are expected in 2025. The Belgian company Thales also envisages technology transfer, which will include mass production according to the standards used in Belgium for laser-guided missiles. Over time, this project will become part of a larger initiative to strengthen Ukraine’s defence capabilities, which in turn will be supported by European financial resources.
This agreement is an important step in the development of Ukraine’s defence capabilities, enabling the country not only to increase the effectiveness of its anti-drone operations, but also to provide its own industry with modern technologies for the production of high-quality ammunition. As early as 2025, Ukraine will be able to produce FZ123 missiles in large volumes, strengthening its air defence shield and ensuring the country’s security in the face of military aggression from Russia.
