The Ukrainian defense manufacturer Fire Point is nearing the completion of two supersonic ballistic missiles, designated FP-7 and FP-9. This development marks a significant step in enhancing Ukraine’s military capabilities.
Denis Shtilierman, co-founder and chief designer of Fire Point, announced that the smaller missile, FP-7, will have a range of approximately 300 kilometers. He indicated that it could be deployed for military purposes in the near future, likening it to the U.S. Army’s ATACMS short-range ballistic missile system.
In contrast, the larger FP-9 missile is designed to carry an 800-kilogram warhead over a distance of up to 850 kilometers and is expected to enter the testing phase shortly. Shtilierman noted that the introduction of such a missile could extend Ukraine’s strike capabilities to include Moscow within its ballistic arsenal’s range.
He further commented that strikes on Moscow, which is protected by one of the world’s most advanced air defense systems, could lead to a significant shift in the perceptions of both the Russian populace and its leadership.
Fabian Hofmann, a senior researcher at the Norwegian Defence University, pointed out that while Russia has experience intercepting ATACMS missiles, the broader deployment of ballistic missiles could overwhelm its air defense systems, which have already suffered losses due to Ukrainian attacks.
Fire Point is close to finalizing the development of two new ballistic missiles, FP-7 and FP-9, which could enhance Ukraine's military reach. The potential impact of these missiles on Russian air defense systems is also under consideration.