“90 Centimeter Walls”: How Fire Point Is Building Ukraine’s First Rocket Factory on NATO Territory

Ukrainian defense company Fire Point is making history by constructing the first Ukrainian rocket manufacturing facility on NATO soil. The ambitious project, located in Denmark, represents a significant milestone in Ukraine’s efforts to develop an independent defense industrial base beyond its borders, safely away from Russian missile strikes that have devastated domestic production capabilities. The company plans to launch its solid rocket fuel production facility by the end of 2027, marking a new chapter in Ukrainian-European defense cooperation.

The decision to build this critical defense infrastructure in a NATO member state reflects the harsh realities of wartime manufacturing. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022, Ukrainian defense facilities have been systematically targeted by cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and drone attacks. By establishing production capabilities in Denmark, Fire Point ensures continuity of operations while benefiting from NATO’s collective security umbrella and European supply chains.

Engineering Fortress-Level Security

The facility being constructed in Denmark is no ordinary factory. With walls measuring an impressive 90 centimeters thick, the building is designed to meet the most stringent security and safety standards required for handling volatile rocket propellants. Solid rocket fuel production is inherently dangerous, requiring specialized infrastructure that can contain potential accidents while also protecting sensitive military technology from espionage or sabotage attempts.

This fortress-like construction approach reflects both the hazardous nature of rocket fuel manufacturing and the heightened security concerns surrounding defense production. Solid rocket fuel, once manufactured, provides significant advantages for military applications – it can be stored for extended periods, requires minimal preparation before launch, and offers reliable performance across various environmental conditions. These characteristics make it ideal for missile systems that need to be ready for rapid deployment.

Strategic Implications for European Defense

The Fire Point project represents a broader trend in European defense manufacturing. Since the outbreak of full-scale war in Ukraine, European nations have increasingly recognized the need to rebuild and expand their defense industrial bases after decades of underinvestment. Ukraine, with its urgent wartime needs and growing expertise in drone and missile technology, has become an unexpected catalyst for this European defense renaissance.

Denmark’s decision to host this Ukrainian defense facility signals deepening bilateral ties and Copenhagen’s commitment to supporting Ukraine’s long-term defense capabilities. The Scandinavian nation has been among Ukraine’s most steadfast supporters, providing military equipment, training, and now industrial partnership. This collaboration also benefits Denmark’s own defense sector, potentially creating jobs, transferring technology, and strengthening the country’s position in the European defense supply chain.

Fire Point’s Growing Ambitions

Fire Point has emerged as one of Ukraine’s most dynamic defense startups, part of a wave of private military technology companies that have flourished despite – or perhaps because of – the ongoing conflict. The company specializes in rocket and missile technology, an area where Ukraine has deep historical expertise dating back to the Soviet era, when major rocket design bureaus were located in cities like Dnipro.

The 2027 timeline for launching production is ambitious but reflects the urgent demand for rocket systems. Ukrainian forces have demonstrated remarkable innovation in adapting and developing new weapons systems throughout the war, but domestic production capacity remains constrained by Russian attacks and limited industrial infrastructure. Establishing secure manufacturing abroad allows companies like Fire Point to scale production while their homeland remains under fire.

This Danish facility will produce solid rocket fuel – the propellant that powers missiles once they’re launched. Unlike liquid fuel, which requires complex fueling procedures before launch, solid fuel is pre-loaded and ready for immediate use. This capability is essential for developing reliable missile systems that can respond quickly to battlefield demands, from air defense interceptors to ground-attack missiles that have proven crucial in Ukraine’s defensive operations.