Preparations Underway for FP-9 Missile Trials
Ukraine-based company Fire Point is gearing up to test its long-range FP-9 missile, nicknamed the 'Derev'yatka.' Engine trials are scheduled for the coming weeks, and if successful, the first serial strikes on Moscow could take place in the summer or early fall of 2026. In parallel with testing, the firm is rapidly scaling up mass production lines, aiming to produce at least 10 to 20 ballistic missiles.
According to Fire Point co-founder Denys Shtilerman, the ballistic system is fully designed and assembled—hulls, actuators, and the control system are all ready. The only component delaying the launch is the high-power rocket engine. Initially, an agreement with Denmark was planned for the production and casting of large-scale engines, but the European side has temporarily put that process on hold. As a result, Fire Point is building its own plant in Ukraine to cast the engines.
Testing and Strategic Objectives
The first full-scale tests of the domestically produced engine are set for this month, with a pilot batch of 10 to 20 missiles being assembled. The military will determine the list of targets deep within Russian territory. Shtilerman emphasized that the ability to strike Moscow could be a crucial step toward establishing a parity-based exchange with the Kremlin.
'You don't hit our civilian infrastructure, we don't hit yours, and let's fight calmly, using conventional methods.' Denys Shtilerman
Meanwhile, Fire Point's technical director, Iryna Terekh, has demonstrated successful tests of the FP-7 missile, which will serve as the foundation for the Freyja anti-ballistic interceptor. The company continues to actively develop new military technologies, hoping for successful testing and subsequent production of FP-9 missiles.
This push in missile technology, particularly the FP-9, reflects Ukraine's drive to bolster its defensive capabilities. Such advancements could shift the regional balance of power, especially amid the ongoing conflict. Fire Point's efforts not only highlight an innovative approach but also align with Ukraine's strategic goals of enhancing security and defense readiness.
As Fire Point advances with the FP-9 missile trials, it's worth noting the recent success of the newly tested FP-7 missile, which is designed for intercepting hostile threats. This development not only showcases the company's commitment to enhancing Ukraine's defense capabilities but also highlights the strategic importance of these technologies in the ongoing conflict.