Ukraine claims first combat use of its home-made ballistic missile against Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced on Thursday that the country had deployed its FP-7 tactical ballistic missile in combat for the first time. Zelenskiy shared the news via his Telegram account, expressing gratitude for the successful outcome. He emphasized that the next step would be the production of more such missiles.

The exact location and target of the combat deployment were not disclosed by Zelenskiy. Russia is known for employing ballistic missiles in strikes on Ukrainian targets, and Ukraine has considered the development of its own tactical ballistic missiles crucial for its defense strategy after four and a half years of conflict with Moscow.

As Ukraine anticipates a possible sustained Russian assault during the upcoming winter, the need for effective interception of ballistic missiles has become more pressing. Ukraine's missile production capabilities currently lag behind those of Russia. Zelenskiy commended the results of recent tactical ballistic missile tests, stating they demonstrated promising potential for military use.

Military analysts describe the FP-7 as a short-range missile with a range of approximately 200 kilometers (125 miles). The missile's manufacturer, Fire Point, claims that it is being developed as a ballistic interceptor as part of the European missile defense program Freyja, initiated this year. Zelenskiy is set to meet with former US President Donald Trump at the United Nations in an effort to secure a truce with Russia on energy issues.

Military experts have drawn comparisons between the FP-7 and the US Army Tactical Missile System, or ATACMS, some of which have already been provided to Ukraine. However, the FP-7, which has been rapidly developed to counter the Russian threat, is significantly more affordable. Fire Point is also working on a more advanced FP-9 missile, with a range of up to 850 kilometers (528 miles), which company officials anticipate will be ready by the end of the year.

Analysts suggest that the deployment of both missiles could enable Ukraine to target Russian missile launch and production facilities, exerting pressure on Moscow's war infrastructure. In July, Ukraine and key Western allies established an air defense coalition to further the Freyja project, with the goal of jointly developing a more cost-effective alternative to the US Patriot system.

According to Davyd Aloian, deputy secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council, Ukraine aims to have a prototype of the Freyja European anti-ballistic system operational in the first half of the following year.