In a significant advancement for Ukraine’s defense capabilities, Ukrainian defense firm Fire Point has introduced a new short-range ballistic missile, known as the FP-7, at the recent MSPO international defense exhibition in Poland. The missile boasts an impressive range of approximately 200 kilometers (124 miles) and is part of a broader effort to enhance military technology in the region.
The FP-7 is one of two ballistic systems currently under development by Fire Point, with the second model, the FP-9, intended for longer-range operations, capable of hitting targets as far away as 855 kilometers (531 miles). This strategic enhancement aims to bolster Ukraine’s military efficacy in its ongoing conflict.
Highlighting its technological prowess, the FP-7 reportedly achieves near-hypersonic speeds of around 1,500 meters per second (4,921 feet per second). This velocity poses significant challenges for interception, particularly by Russian air and missile defense systems. The missile is designed to ascend to altitudes of up to 65 kilometers (40 miles) and can maintain flight for a duration of up to 250 seconds.
Launched from a ground-based platform, the FP-7 is characterized by a circular error probability of 14 meters (46 feet) and is equipped with a warhead weighing 150 kilograms (331 pounds). This precision makes it a formidable threat to key Russian command-and-control infrastructures and logistical hubs.
Notably, the missile’s design draws from the Soviet-engineered 48N6 interceptor which is utilized in the Russian S-400 air defense system. To mitigate risks and hasten development, Fire Point has maintained the aerodynamic layout of the 48N6 while integrating a new composite airframe and overhauling the internal components, including the propulsion system. Unlike the 48N6, which employs a cold-launch mechanism, Fire Point has opted for a hot-launch system, enhancing the missile’s operational simplicity.
Fire Point has indicated that qualification tests and codification for the FP-7 are anticipated to conclude by 2025, with plans for the missile’s eventual integration into the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Nevertheless, details regarding its current stage of development remain unclear.
In addition to the FP-7, Fire Point has made significant strides with its Flamingo cruise missile. This missile has already been deployed multiple times against Russian installations, most notably in a recent strike on the Votkinsk missile factory located in Russia’s Udmurt Republic on February 21. The Flamingo cruise missile reportedly features an extensive range of 3,000 kilometers (1,864 miles) and possesses a weight of 6,000 kilograms (13,228 pounds), carrying a substantial warhead weighing 1,000 kilograms (2,205 pounds). This significant arsenal underscores Fire Point’s commitment to enhancing Ukraine’s military capabilities amid ongoing regional tensions.
