Ukraine deploys FP-7 tactical ballistic missile in combat for first time, Zelenskyy says — SkimNews
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- Zelenskyy announced on Telegram that Ukraine deployed its FP-7 tactical ballistic missile in combat for the first time, writing "First combat use. Thank you for the result. Next - production."
- Fire Point, the FP-7's manufacturer, is developing the missile as a ballistic interceptor within the European missile defense programme Freyja, launched this year.
- Ukrainian military analysts describe the FP-7 as a short-range missile with a range of about 200 km (125 miles).
- Davyd Aloian, deputy secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council, said in July that Ukraine wants a Freyja prototype ready in the first half of next year.
- Zelenskyy praised earlier test results of tactical ballistic missiles this year, saying they showed strong potential for military use, and Ukraine has viewed domestic tactical ballistic missile development as a key element of its defense needs.
Why it matters: Ukraine's first combat use of a domestically developed tactical ballistic missile signals a shift from missile-target to missile-maker, with the FP-7 feeding directly into the Freyja European anti-ballistic programme. A working combat-tested system could accelerate the H1 next year Freyja prototype target and position Ukraine as a contributor to European missile defense rather than solely a recipient.
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