Ukraine deploys domestically produced FP-7 ballistic missile for the first time

On October 1, 2026, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the first combat deployment of the FP-7 tactical ballistic missile. Developed by the domestic company FirePoint, the weapon was showcased in a video released by the President, though specific details regarding the target or the launch location remain classified. The missile, also known in Ukraine as the "Pelican," is designed to enhance the country's autonomous strike capabilities and reduce reliance on Western military supplies.

Technical assessments provided by military analysts suggest the FP-7 has an operational range of 200 to 250 kilometers and is capable of carrying a warhead weighing approximately 200 kilograms. While the missile’s limited range currently confines its impact to Russian border regions rather than deep strategic rear areas, the successful combat test marks a significant milestone in Ukraine's defense industry. Zelenskyy indicated that the next phase of the project is to transition from testing to mass production, signaling a long-term shift toward strengthening domestic arms manufacturing.