Ukraine has announced the first combat use of a domestically produced ballistic missile, marking a significant development in its ongoing conflict with Russia. President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed on Thursday that Ukraine fired the FP-7 missile, a short-range weapon developed by the Ukrainian company Fire Point, in a combat operation. The launch was shared on social media with a video of the missile’s takeoff, though details about the specific target were not disclosed, and Zelensky’s office declined further comment.

The FP-7, which has a range of approximately 155 miles (250 kilometers) and can carry a 440-pound payload, is capable of striking locations within Russia’s border regions. While the missile is unlikely to dramatically alter the current dynamics of the air war, it represents a milestone for Ukraine’s military industry. Fire Point is also working on a more advanced ballistic missile, the FP-9, which would have the capacity to reach Moscow and key Russian defense sites. Analysts expect the FP-9 to be operational later this year.

Ballistic missiles are considered among the most formidable airborne weapons due to their high speed, difficulty to intercept, and heavy payload potential, distinguishing them from the exploding drones that have been widely used by Ukraine. The successful deployment of the FP-7 places Ukraine among the relatively few countries with domestic ballistic missile production capability. Ukraine retains a legacy of aerospace and missile manufacturing from its Soviet era, though much of that industry diminished after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.

Since Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Moscow has deployed various ballistic missiles, including intermediate-range weapons originally designed for nuclear payloads but used with conventional warheads. Ukraine, with Western support, has also utilized U.S.-manufactured tactical ballistic missiles such as the ATACMS in strikes against Russian forces and facilities near the border.

Military experts suggest that the FP-7’s primary role will likely be targeting Russian missile launchers rather than strategic targets deep inside Russia. Retired Ukrainian colonel and war analyst Serhiy Hrabsky noted that production capacity would limit the number of FP-7 missiles that Ukraine can deploy, but emphasized its potential to improve Ukraine’s cost-efficiency in the missile conflict. Engaging Russian launchers is a potentially more economical strategy compared to intercepting incoming missiles with expensive American Patriot interceptors, which are limited in supply globally.

The missile war has escalated into a critical front of the conflict as ground advances have stalled. Russian missile and drone strikes continue to target Ukraine’s infrastructure with the intent of damaging the economy and undermining civilian morale by causing widespread power outages. Conversely, Ukraine’s retaliatory missile strikes have focused on Russian energy infrastructure such as oil refineries and ports.

Previously, Kyiv had caused some confusion regarding the weapon, referring to an earlier strike as involving a “Pelican.” While Zelensky initially implied this was a missile strike inside Russia, his office later clarified the reference was to a drone. Fire Point has described its ballistic missiles as “ballistic drones” for legal reasons related to Ukraine’s obligations under the now largely defunct Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, which restricted ground-launched missile ranges. Both Russia and the United States have since exited the treaty.

Zelensky’s announcement specifically highlighted the use of “tactical ballistics,” indicating a focus on shorter-range and more specialized missile systems rather than strategic long-range weapons. The introduction of the FP-7 missile adds a new dimension to Ukraine’s air defense and offensive operations amid the continuing conflict.