President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the first combat use of the Ukrainian-made FP-7 tactical ballistic missile, though officials have declined to specify the target.
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ManyPress Editorial
Key facts
- •President Zelenskyy announced the first combat use of the FP-7 on October 1.
- •The missile has a claimed range of up to 250 kilometers and a 200-kilogram warhead.
- •Fire Point, the manufacturer, is also developing the missile as an interceptor for the European Freyja defense program.
- •The FP-7 is designed to strike front-line and rear-area targets, including headquarters and air defense systems.
- •Zelenskyy's communications advisor declined to specify what the missile struck during its first deployment.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on October 1 that the country has deployed its domestically developed FP-7 tactical ballistic missile in combat for the first time. Zelenskyy shared the news via social media, praising the results and signaling a move toward mass production. While the announcement confirmed the missile's operational debut, officials have declined to disclose the specific location or target of the strike.
By the numbers
Technical Specifications and Capabilities
The FP-7 is manufactured by the Ukrainian defense firm Fire Point, a company established in 2022. According to reports, the missile is designed with a strike range of up to 250 kilometers (155 miles) and carries a warhead weighing approximately 200 kilograms. It is capable of reaching speeds of 1,500 meters per second and has a flight duration of up to 250 seconds. Analysts note the system is based on the Soviet-era 48N6 interceptor used in S-300 and S-400 systems but incorporates modern components. The missile is intended to strike targets such as command posts, radar stations, electronic warfare systems, and airfields within its operational range.
Development and Strategic Goals
Fire Point CEO Iryna Terekh stated in September that the missile was expected to enter service within weeks. The project is part of a broader effort to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities through domestic production, with developers aiming to create a cost-effective alternative to systems like the ATACMS. The FP-7 is also being developed as a ballistic interceptor for the European Freyja missile defense program. While the missile has moved into combat use, the manufacturer faces ongoing scrutiny regarding its ownership and past corruption allegations. Despite these concerns, the company has previously produced long-range drones and the FP-5 cruise missile.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Military Times, Straits Times World, Kyiv Independent, Ukrainska Pravda (English).
