Ukraine's New Ballistic Missiles: FP-7 and FP-9
Ukraine's defense industry is advancing its own ballistic missile systems, the FP-7 and FP-9, designed as lower-cost alternatives to the American ATACMS. The FP-7 has already undergone testing, while the FP-9 is being prepared for trials. These weapons can be launched from mobile platforms disguised as cargo trucks, enhancing their survivability by reducing detection risk. A full system deployment takes roughly 15 minutes, allowing for rapid response to emerging threats. This domestic development effort highlights Ukraine's push for greater self-reliance in long-range strike capabilities.
Capabilities of the New Missiles
The reported specifications for the new missiles are notable:
- FP-7:
- Range: up to 200 km
- Warhead: 150 kg
- Maximum speed: 1500 m/s
- Average speed: 800 m/s
- Target deviation: 14 m
- Maximum flight time: 250 seconds
- FP-9:
- Strike range: 800-855 km
- Warhead: from 800 to 850 kg
- Maximum speed: 2.2 km/s
- Probable target deviation: around 20 m
One of the designers noted: 'This will be an analog to ATACMS, possibly with an even larger warhead. But it will cost at least half as much.'
In related defense news, Germany has assembled an additional batch of Patriot missiles for Ukraine. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius managed to gather about 30 PAC-3 missiles, and with other missiles arriving from Germany, the total is approximately 35. Ukraine has not possessed this quantity of such missiles at one time since the full-scale invasion began.
Separately, Ukraine is negotiating with Gulf states to share its expertise in countering drones in exchange for funding. Kyiv is also discussing a potential exchange of drone technology with the United States. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated: 'Ukraine is ready to supply interceptor drones and share unique combat experience with Middle Eastern countries in exchange for scarce Patriot missiles.'
The context of recent Middle Eastern events underscores the scale of modern missile threats; during attacks in the region, over 800 PAC-3 missiles were used in a three-day period. These facts highlight the critical importance of bolstering Ukraine's defensive capabilities.
The development of the FP-7 and FP-9 missiles represents a significant step for Ukraine in strengthening its own defense industrial base amid ongoing warfare. Coupled with the receipt of new Patriot systems to enhance air defense, this points to intensified security cooperation with international partners. Engaging with the technological experience of other regions, particularly the Gulf states, could prove a vital factor in improving the effectiveness of Ukrainian armed forces against contemporary threats.