Ukraine has claimed the first combat use of its domestically developed FP-7 tactical ballistic missile, marking a new step in Kyiv’s push to build an indigenous long-range strike capability. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the missile’s battlefield debut on October 1.According to The War Zone (TWZ), Zelenskyy did not disclose where the FP-7 was used, what target it struck, how many missiles were launched or what damage they caused. The report also noted that the claim of its first combat use has not been independently verified.Zelenskyy, in a post on Telegram, said the “Ukrainian tactical ballistic missile, FP-7” had seen its “first combat use”, adding, “Thank you for the result. Next up: production.”He also shared a video purportedly showing the missile being launched at night, but did not disclose the target or location of the strike.The FP-7 is a ground-launched tactical ballistic missile developed by Ukrainian defence company Fire Point.According to TWZ, it has a reported range of around 250 km, a warhead of about 150 kg, and a reported speed of around 1,500 metres per second.It is designed for shorter-range strikes against targets such as logistics hubs, air-defence sites and drone bases, rather than deep strikes far behind the frontline.The FP-7 is part of Ukraine’s broader effort to develop indigenous ballistic missiles and reduce reliance on Western-supplied strike systems.Its reported range places it in a tactical strike category, giving Kyiv another option for hitting targets within roughly 250 km of the launch point.Fire Point is also developing a larger FP-9 ballistic missile, with a reported range of up to 850 km, which company officials say could be ready by the end of 2026.
