Ukraine deploys new FP-7 tactical ballistic missile in combat for first time

President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the successful deployment of Ukraine's domestically produced FP-7 tactical ballistic missile in combat against Russian forces for the first time. The Ukrainian leader praised the results, emphasizing that the next step is increased production. Zelensky detailed the news on Telegram, but declined to disclose the deployment location or operational specifics.

Fire Point, the missile's manufacturer, revealed that the FP-7 was developed as a missile interceptor under the European defense initiative Freyja, launched earlier this year.

Ukrainian military experts describe the FP-7 as a short-range missile capable of reaching approximately 200 kilometers, drawing comparisons to the United States Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), though it is produced at a significantly lower cost. While Ukraine's manufacturing capacity lags behind Russia's, Kyiv views the domestic production of tactical ballistic missiles as crucial to counter Moscow's frequent missile strikes.

The deployment comes in the wake of Russian drone strikes on Thursday, which targeted a school in Kyiv and a critical bridge crossing the Dnipro River, causing significant fires in the capital city. According to municipal authorities, the school was hit early in the morning, and all students were safely inside bomb shelters, resulting in no casualties.