Ukraine Deploys New Self-Made Ballistic Missile in Combat
President Zelensky announces the first combat use of the FP-7 missile, developed domestically.
Ukraine has deployed its indigenously developed FP-7 tactical ballistic missile in combat for the first time, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced Thursday.
"Ukrainian tactical ballistic missile FP-7. First combat use," Zelensky stated on the Telegram messaging platform. "Thank you for the result. Next – production."
Zelensky did not specify where the FP-7 was used or what targets it engaged. Russia frequently employs ballistic missiles in its attacks on Ukrainian territory. Ukraine has identified the development of its own tactical ballistic missiles as a crucial element for its defense capabilities.
Earlier this year, Zelensky praised the test results of Ukrainian tactical ballistic missiles, noting their strong potential for military application. Ukrainian military analysts describe the FP-7 as a short-range missile with an approximate range of 125 miles.
The missile manufacturer, Fire Point, is developing the FP-7 as a ballistic interceptor within the European missile defense program Freyja, which was launched this year. Ukraine aims to have a prototype for the Freyja European anti-ballistic system ready in the first half of next year, according to Davyd Aloian, deputy secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, who spoke in July.