Development of the FP-7 Ballistic Missile
Ukraine has successfully developed and tested a new domestically produced ballistic missile, the FP-7, which is now ready for combat deployment. The missile can strike targets at a distance of up to 300 kilometers. The developer is the defense company Fire Point, co-founded and led by chief designer Denis Shtilerman. This development is part of Ukraine's broader effort to build a self-sufficient defense industry in the face of ongoing conflict.
Designed as a more affordable alternative to the American ATACMS system, the FP-7 is based on the Soviet-era 48N6 surface-to-air missile from the S-400 system. The domestic version is twice as cheap as the original, making it a significantly more attractive option. Fire Point manufactures all of the missile's components independently, including its engines and flight controllers. The FP-7's warhead weighs 150 kilograms, and during flight, the vehicle ascends to an altitude of 65 kilometers. Its maximum speed reaches 5,400 kilometers per hour.
Launch and Testing of the FP-7
The FP-7 is launched from specialized mobile units disguised as ordinary commercial trailers and trucks. The full deployment process for a strike takes approximately 15 minutes. Denis Shtilerman stated:
"The flight has already taken place. We are now moving on to testing on our neighbors." - Denis Shtilerman
He also emphasized that the company is classifying new technologies under simplified procedures: 'That's why we code everything as drones: both our FP-5 and FP-7 are drones. We don't have time to code this using old methods.'
Furthermore, Ukrainian authorities have permitted a streamlined registration process for long-range weaponry, which could facilitate the faster adoption of this new development into military service. The successful test of the FP-7 demonstrates Ukraine's progress in creating modern weapon systems. This achievement marks a significant step in strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities amid escalating threats, showcasing the ability of domestic enterprises to independently produce advanced armaments based on their own engineering solutions. The simplified registration procedures are also likely to accelerate the weapon's integration into the armed forces, enhancing military effectiveness.
As Ukraine continues to enhance its defense capabilities, the chief designer of the FP-7 missile has recently released test footage, showcasing the missile's impressive performance. This development not only highlights the advancements in military technology but also underscores Ukraine's commitment to self-reliance in defense. For more details on the testing process and the missile's capabilities, check out the full story here.