Ukraine Deploys First Domestically Produced Ballistic Missile as Russia Targets Kyiv Bridges

Ukraine has used its first domestically produced tactical ballistic missile in combat, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced. The FP-7 missile’s inaugural deployment was revealed in a short video posted by Zelensky, who said, “Ukrainian tactical ballistic missile. FP-7. First combat deployment. Thank you for the results. Next step: serial production. Glory to Ukraine!” The target and outcome of the strike remain unknown, and some Russian analysts suggested the footage might have been recorded at a training ground.

Limited Capabilities, Ambitious Plans

The FP-7 is a technical milestone that could enhance Ukraine’s ability to hit important targets, but expectations should be tempered. It is not yet in serial production and its specifications lag behind Russia’s short-range Iskander missiles. Based on the Soviet-origin 48N6 surface-to-air missile, the FP-7 has an estimated range of only 200 km and a warhead weighing up to 150 kg—less than half the weight of an Iskander warhead. Consequently, its use is limited to areas roughly 100 km from the front line, and it cannot serve as a means for strategic strikes deep inside Russian territory.

Ukraine’s next goal is the FP-9, a larger missile with an estimated range of 855 km and a warhead expected to weigh up to 800 kg, potentially capable of reaching Moscow. According to the Russian Telegram channel Russian Engineer, the FP-9 is conceptually based on the Iskander and builds on Ukraine’s Sapsan project, which was never completed.

In a separate development, Russian forces have begun attacking bridges in Kyiv, fulfilling a long-standing demand by pro-war hawks who have complained for years that the bridges in the capital of the invaded country were still standing.