Ukraine unveils first combat use of domestically built FP-7 ballistic missile

On October 1, President Volodymyr Zelensky declared that Ukraine has used its indigenous FP-7 tactical ballistic missile in combat for the first time, thanking the forces involved and calling for swift serial production. The missile, engineered by the Ukrainian defense company Fire Point, boasts a claimed range of up to 250 kilometres, a top speed of 1,500 metres per second, and a 200-kilogram warhead. Fire Point CEO Iryna Terekh previously indicated the system would enter service within weeks, and chief designer Denys Shtilerman compared it to the American ATACMS, noting it could be produced at about half the price.

He stressed that producing only a few missiles monthly would have limited impact, emphasizing the need for mass production. According to analyst Nazarii Barchuk, the FP-7 is aimed at frontline and near-rear targets, including headquarters, weapons depots, radar stations, and airfields. When asked about the specific target, Zelensky’s communications adviser said the information would not be disclosed.