Ukraine Uses FP-7 Tactical Ballistic Missile in Combat for First Time

Ukraine has used its FP-7 tactical ballistic missile in combat for the first time, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said, marking a milestone in the country's development of domestically produced missile systems.

Ukraine uses its FP-7 tactical ballistic missile in combat for the first time. [Photo: Fire Point]

“Ukrainian tactical ballistic missile FP-7. First combat use,” Zelenskiy wrote on Telegram. “Thank you for the result. Next — production.”

Zelenskiy did not disclose where the missile was used or what target it struck, according to Reuters.

Ukraine has accelerated development of domestic missile capabilities as it seeks to strengthen its defenses against Russia's extensive use of ballistic missiles and other long-range weapons.

Ukrainian military analysts describe the FP-7 as a short-range missile with a range of about 200 kilometers (125 miles).

Its manufacturer, Fire Point, says the system is being developed as a ballistic interceptor within the European Freyja missile-defense program.

Analysts have compared the FP-7 with the US Army's Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), several of which have been supplied to Ukraine. The FP-7 is reportedly considerably cheaper.

Fire Point is also developing the FP-9, a longer-range missile with a reported range of up to 850 kilometers (528 miles), which company officials expect to have ready by the end of 2026.

Ukraine and several Western allies announced an air-defense coalition in July to develop the Freyja system, which is intended to provide a less expensive alternative to the US Patriot system.

Ukraine has said it wants a prototype of the European anti-ballistic system ready in the first half of 2027. The first combat use of the FP-7 comes as Ukraine prepares for another winter of Russian missile and drone attacks against its infrastructure.