Ukrainian defense industry takes another step in developing its own missile technologies. Fire Point CEO Irina Terekh stated that the FP-7 ballistic missile is currently undergoing the final stage of certification at the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine. This was reported by RBC-Ukraine citing Reuters.
Development and Certification Stages
According to Irina Terekh, the FP-7 missile has a strike modification designed for engaging ground targets. To date, the product has undergone approximately 15 test launches, which is a significant stage in its refinement process. Certification at the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, according to the manufacturer's estimates, should be completed within the next two to four weeks.
Fire Point expects to deploy this version of the missile in combat conditions for the first time by early autumn 2026. This will be an important stage in the evolution of the Ukrainian missile program, which has demonstrated high dynamics of development in recent years.
Technological Basis and Innovations
Interestingly, the architecture of the FP-7 is based on Soviet developments of interceptor missiles for the S-300 and S-400 systems. However, as Terekh clarified, the new Fire Point missile has only about 20% common elements with these weapon samples. This indicates deep modernization and integration of modern technologies, including European developments, which allows for a significant increase in the efficiency and accuracy of the new product.
Prospects and Future Plans
In addition to the FP-7, Fire Point plans to conduct the first combat launch of a significantly more powerful ballistic missile, the FP-9, by late autumn 2026. This missile, according to the manufacturer, will be able to reach Moscow, opening new possibilities for strategic deterrence.
It is important to note that Fire Point is ahead of Russian analogues due to the speed of adaptation and implementation of new technologies. Recently, it became known that the company created its own turbojet engine for the "Flamingo" missile, which also testifies to the high level of technological independence of the Ukrainian defense industry.
Context and Significance
The development of its own missile technologies for Ukraine has not only military but also strategic significance. In the context of the ongoing conflict and the need to ensure national security, the creation of effective and modern means of destruction is a priority task. Successful certification and combat deployment of the FP-7 could become an important step in this direction.
It is also worth noting that it recently became known when the Ukrainian Freyja system may begin to intercept ballistic missiles, which complements the overall picture of the development of the Ukrainian defense industry.