Ukraine uses a domestically produced ballistic missile for the first time (VIDEO)

Ukraine has used a domestically produced ballistic missile in real combat conditions for the first time, crossing another critical threshold in its efforts to gain its own missile-strike capability, without relying exclusively on Western stocks.

Volodymyr Zelensky announced yesterday, on Thursday evening, the first operational use of the FP-7 (in Ukraine also called the “Pelican”), while publishing a video of its launch, without revealing the target that was hit. “Ukrainian tactical ballistics. FP-7. First combat use”, was the Ukrainian president’s simple statement, in an announcement that matters more for what it heralds than for what this particular missile can change at the front today. The FP-7, a product of the Ukrainian Fire Point, is a weapon with a still limited range.

It can strike targets at a distance of about 250 kilometres and carry a warhead of about 200 kilograms. This means its operational footprint is mainly limited to Russia’s border areas and does not allow it to threaten Russia’s deep strategic rear. Its significance, however, lies elsewhere.

From drones to ballistic missiles

Until today, Ukraine’s deep-strike campaign has relied mainly on long-range unmanned aerial vehicles, targeting refineries, port facilities, energy infrastructure and other critical centres of the Russian economy. Drones have given Kyiv the ability to carry the war hundreds of kilometres deep into Russia at relatively low cost, but they also have clear limitations in speed, payload and the ability to penetrate organised air defences.

A ballistic missile is a different threat. Its high speed, ballistic trajectory and shorter reaction time make it significantly harder to intercept. At the same time, it can carry a heavier warhead and be used against targets that require much greater destructive power than a conventional Ukrainian drone can offer.

The FP-7 alone will not change the balance in the air and missile war. Russia still has a significantly larger number of missile systems and is firing many more long-range weapons at Ukrainian targets. But the first launch shows that Kyiv is now trying to fill one of the most serious gaps in its own arsenal.

Ukrainian tactical ballistic missile. FP-7. First combat use. Thank you for the result. Next up: production. Glory to Ukraine! https://t.co/IxdjVg51c1