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Ukraine Uses Domestically Made FP-7 Missile in Combat
Confirmed
In Short: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the first combat use of the domestically produced FP-7 tactical ballistic missile on Thursday, Oct. 1.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Thursday, Oct. 1, that the domestically produced FP-7 tactical ballistic missile had been used in combat for the first time. The missile, developed by Fire Point, was launched in a video released by Zelensky.
The FP-7 has a range of up to 200 kilometers and can carry a warhead of up to 150 kilograms. It was first test-launched in February 2026 and entered military trials in September.
Fire Point CEO Iryna Terekh said the FP-7 had completed about 15 test launches and was undergoing final certification from Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense. She noted that the missile could begin striking Russia within weeks.
The FP-7 is designed to target ground targets at distances of up to 200 km, including headquarters, command posts, weapons storage facilities, and military infrastructure. Analyst Nazarii Barchuk explained that the missile is intended for use against targets at the front line and in the immediate rear.
The missile's development marks a significant milestone in Ukraine's push to build its own strike weapons as Russia intensifies its campaign on civilian infrastructure. Fire Point has secured agreements with 13 European defense companies to supply radar, guidance, and other technologies.
The FP-7 is based on the Soviet-era 48N6 interceptor used in the S-300 and S-400 air defense systems but uses modern components and manufacturing techniques. The company claims the missile costs roughly half as much as the US-made Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS).
Zelensky's communications advisor declined to specify what the FP-7 struck, emphasizing the importance of the missile's operational deployment during Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The FP-7's successful combat use highlights Ukraine's growing self-reliance in defense technology and its ability to respond to Russian aggression with domestically produced weapons.
What's confirmed
- "Ukrainian tactical ballistic missile. FP-7. First combat use. Thank you for the result," the president wrote.
What's still developing
- On Sept. 25, Zelensky revealed that the US President Donald Trump had made a “final decision” to grant Ukraine licenses to produce Patriot missiles.
- On Tuesday, Sept. 29, US Senator Chris Coons said the Pentagon had committed nearly all of the $400 million Congress approved for Ukraine.
- According to him, Ukraine will produce such missiles.
- According to the company's CEO, Iryna Terekh, the missile had, by that point, completed two preliminary stages of testing — ground and laboratory tests, as well as flight tests.
- The missile can carry a warhead weighing up to 150 kg, while its stated accuracy is up to 14 meters.
- "If you produce two or three ballistic missiles a month, it makes no sense. It will not affect the front," he said.
- Asked what is holding Ukraine back from EU membership, 32% cited corruption in central government bodies.
- Another 29% said the EU or some of its member states are unwilling to accept Ukraine.
- The Air Force said Russia attacked Ukraine with 107 drones, including Shahed-type drones, Gerbera drones, and decoys.
- "Russia attacks Ukrainian ports, blocks Ukraine's grain exports, and then looks for new routes for its own grain," Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said on X.
- Fire Point has become an important Ukrainian domestic defense manufacturer since its founding in 2022, manufacturing a series of highly effective long-range drones and the FP-5 "Flamingo" heavy cruise missile, yet corruption allegations and questions about the ultimate ownership of the company have accompanied its rise.
- Asked what the missile struck, Zelensky's communications advisor told the Kyiv Independent: "We're not telling." Redvanovich, who was 25 years old, served as the commander of the "Ghost of Kyiv" 40th Tactical Aviation Brigade.