Ukraine unveils FP-9 ballistic rocket with Moscow firmly in range
Flight testing for Ukraine’s new FP-9 ballistic missile, engineered to strike high-value assets deep inside Russia, is scheduled to commence shortly ahead of its operational combat debut planned for autumn 2026, NV wrote on Aug. 26.
On August 26, Ukraine announced the development of the FP-9 ballistic missile, a weapon designed to target high-value assets inside Russia. The FP-9 was first showcased at a defense exhibition in Rzeszów, Poland, in April 2026, by its creator, the Ukrainian defense technology firm Fire Point. The missile is set to begin flight testing and potentially enter combat operations as early as autumn 2026.
Fire Point designed the FP-9 as a cost-effective alternative to the American MGM-140 ATACMS, boasting a larger warhead at half the production cost. The FP-9's greatest strength lies in its high terminal velocity, which makes it difficult for enemy air defense systems to intercept. The missile is delivered via a mobile road-transporter platform, allowing for quick deployment and adaptable mission planning.
The system can integrate with advanced automated command-and-control, mission-planning, and target-acquisition networks. The FP-9's distinguishing feature is its impressive operational range of 855 kilometers, classifying it as a short-range ballistic missile (SRBM). From the closest Ukrainian border regions in Sumy or Chernihiv oblasts, the missile can reach Moscow's capital, a distance of 410 to 415 kilometers.
This means even if launches occur from secure rear areas within Ukrainian territory, the enemy capital remains within the missile's operational envelope. In comparison, standard ATACMS variants have a reach of just 300 km, while Ukraine's Sapsan operational-tactical missile system is designed for 500 km. In June, Fire Point's Chief Designer and Co-Owner Denys Shtilerman hinted that Ukraine could soon target Moscow with the FP-9, suggesting Russian energy infrastructure as a potential primary target.
Former Minister of Defense Mykhailo Fedorov estimated in August that Ukraine would deploy its domestic ballistic missiles against Russian territory before the end of 2026. So far, Ukraine's long-range deep strike campaign inside Russia has primarily relied on cheaper long-range strike drones and subsonic cruise missiles. However, these systems are slower and more vulnerable to detection and interception by kinetic air defense systems.
Written by urgent.news from New Voice of Ukraine's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
