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Ukraine's domestically developed ballistic missile to enter service by late September

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • Ukraine's domestically developed FP-7 ballistic missile is set for combat deployment by the end of September, significantly ahead of schedule.
  • The FP-7 is seen as a cost-effective alternative to the U.S.-made ATACMS, with a range of up to 300 kilometers.
  • Ukraine is accelerating its missile program amid dwindling air defense supplies, shifting focus to striking Russian deep targets.

Ukraine is accelerating the combat deployment of its indigenously developed ballistic missile, the FP-7, with the system expected to see its first operational use by the end of September. This timeline is considerably ahead of the initial projections, which anticipated testing to conclude by the end of 2026.

The FP-7, developed by Ukrainian defense firm Fire Point, is designed as a short-range ballistic missile. Technical specifications indicate a maximum range of 300 kilometers, capable of carrying a high-explosive warhead weighing up to 150 kilograms, depending on the mission configuration. Ukrainian defense industry sources view the FP-7 as a lower-cost domestic substitute for the U.S.-supplied ATACMS missile, aiming to fill the gap in long-range precision strike capabilities with affordable, locally produced munitions.

This accelerated development comes at a critical juncture for Ukraine, as its air defense missile stocks are reportedly strained. The strategic shift appears to move from passive air defense towards proactive deep strikes against Russian forces. The rationale is that if Ukraine cannot intercept every incoming enemy missile, it will employ its own ballistic missiles to precisely target Russian mobile missile launchers, rear command posts, and oil facilities, thereby degrading Russia's long-range strike capacity at its source.

In parallel with the FP-7's rapid deployment, Fire Point is also advancing the development of a heavier, longer-range missile, the FP-9. This system is projected to have a strike radius of 800 to 850 kilometers and is slated for its first test launch by the end of this year. This dual-track approach signifies Ukraine's strategy of fielding short-range capabilities quickly while simultaneously developing extended-range options.

FP-7 currently is in the final stage of certification and combat testing, a timeline that is several months ahead of the Ukrainian military's original estimate of late 2026.

— Iryna TerekhFire Point CEO discussing the accelerated development and testing schedule for the FP-7 missile.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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