KYIV — March 13, 2026 : Ukrainian defense manufacturer Fire Point has reported new progress in its domestic ballistic missile development program, announcing the successful completion of initial tests for its FP-7 short-range ballistic missile while preparing a longer-range system, the FP-9, for flight trials later this year.
The update was provided by Denys Shtilerman, chief executive officer and chief designer of the company, who confirmed that the FP-7 has completed three test launches and that development work on the FP-9 is approaching the next testing phase. The programs form part of Ukraine’s broader effort to expand its domestic missile production capacity and reduce reliance on foreign-supplied long-range strike systems.
FP-7 Short-Range Ballistic Missile Program
Fire Point’s FP-7 missile has completed its first phase of flight testing, with the company confirming an operational range of 300 kilometers. The missile is designed as a mobile tactical weapon system intended to provide a domestically produced alternative to Western short-range ballistic missile systems such as the ATACMS.
According to company officials, the missile emphasizes cost-efficient production. Fire Point estimates the FP-7 can be manufactured at two to two-and-a-half times lower cost than comparable Western systems. The company attributes this reduction primarily to the use of domestic engineering, locally produced solid rocket fuel, and specialized carbon-fiber structural components.
The missile carries a 150-kilogram warhead and is designed for deployment on mobile launch platforms. Fire Point indicated that the launchers are configured to resemble standard trucks, enabling operational mobility and potentially simplifying logistics and concealment during field operations.
Earlier test footage released by the company in late February 2026 showed the initial launches of the missile. According to statements from the company, the FP-7 design incorporates technology derived from adapted Soviet-era 48N6 missile systems, which were originally developed for surface-to-air defense roles but have been modified for ballistic strike applications.
Fire Point has stated that production could be scaled without major manufacturing limitations if the system enters operational procurement.
FP-7 Technical Overview
- Classification: Short-range ballistic missile
- Operational Range: 300 km
- Warhead: 150 kg
- Production Cost: 2–2.5 times lower than comparable Western systems
- Status: Three test launches completed
Development of the FP-9 Long-Range Ballistic Missile
Alongside the FP-7 program, Fire Point is developing the FP-9, a longer-range ballistic missile intended for deep-strike missions.
According to Shtilerman, the FP-9 is designed with an operational range of approximately 850 kilometers and is expected to carry a warhead of up to 800 kilograms. The missile is also designed to reach a terminal speed exceeding 4,300 km/h during the final phase of its trajectory.
A key design focus for the FP-9 is the ability to penetrate advanced air defense systems protecting heavily defended targets. The missile’s high terminal velocity is intended to complicate interception by layered missile defense networks.
Additional design parameters provided by the company indicate a flight ceiling of around 70 kilometers and a reported strike accuracy of roughly 20 meters. According to Shtilerman, the missile’s speed profile is intended to exceed the terminal velocity of some existing tactical ballistic missile systems, including the Russian Iskander-M.
Engine development for the FP-9 is nearing completion, and flight tests are scheduled to begin in early summer 2026.
FP-9 Technical Overview
- Classification: Long-range ballistic missile
- Operational Range: 850 km
- Terminal Speed: Over 4,300 km/h
- Warhead Capacity: Up to 800 kg
- Flight Ceiling: Approximately 70 km
- Accuracy: ~20 meters CEP (reported)
- Status: Flight testing scheduled for early summer 2026
Fire Point’s Expanding Missile and Drone Portfolio
Fire Point was founded in 2022 and has expanded rapidly within Ukraine’s defense sector during the ongoing war with Russia. The company has developed several strike systems in addition to its ballistic missile projects.
These include the FP-1 deep-strike drone, the FP-2 strike drone, and the FP-5 “Flamingo” cruise missile. The company has previously presented details of the FP-7 and FP-9 missile concepts at international defense exhibitions in 2025, where early specifications for both systems were introduced.
Since then, Fire Point has continued development and testing, releasing video documentation of FP-7 launches and providing updates through company channels and Ukrainian defense media.
Strategic Role of Domestic Missile Development
The development of the FP-7 and FP-9 reflects Ukraine’s ongoing effort to expand its domestic defense manufacturing base. Producing ballistic missiles within Ukraine would allow the country to sustain long-range strike capabilities without relying solely on foreign-supplied munitions, which can be subject to political restrictions or export limitations.
While Fire Point has confirmed the testing milestones for both missiles, the company has not announced specific production timelines, integration plans with Ukrainian armed forces, or any potential export arrangements.
Further updates are expected as the FP-9 enters its scheduled flight testing phase in the coming months.
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