FP-9 Missile Displayed at Danish Arms Exhibition

(KYIV) – Ukrainian defence technology company Fire Point has unveiled its FP-9 long range ballistic missile at the DALO Industry Days international arms exhibition in Denmark. The missile is designed to deliver a payload of up to 800 kilograms and strike targets at a distance of up to 855 kilometres, placing Moscow within range.

Fire Point CEO and Chief Technical Officer Iryna Terekh presented the missile at the company’s exhibition booth, where the FP-7 was displayed alongside the larger FP-9. The company is developing both systems simultaneously.

“The FP-9 is what we are putting a great deal of effort and all our dedication into in order to complete it as quickly as possible. It is a major challenge,” Terekh said at a press conference.

The greatest technical challenge, according to Terekh, has been the scale of the missile. The propulsion system requires significantly more fuel than the company’s smaller FP-7 system.

“We are currently casting engines for the FP-9. Just for comparison: the rocket engine for the FP-7 contains about one tonne of propellant, whereas the FP-9 contains more than 4.5 tonnes of propellant,” Terekh explained.

The company believes the introduction of a long range ballistic missile will mark a strategic shift in the conflict. Ukraine has previously relied on Western supplied systems with range restrictions.

“Although I generally do not believe in the concept of a ‘wow effect,’ I do believe that a long range ballistic missile will become a kind of turning point in this war,” Terekh stressed.

Fire Point is developing two ballistic missiles. The company describes the FP-7, with a range of up to 300 kilometres, as a cheaper response to the American ATACMS. The FP-9 is designed to travel 800 to 850 kilometres, sufficient to reach Moscow. The company expects to launch the FP-9 by the end of the year.

Terekh has previously stated that the company finances its ballistic missile programme entirely with its own funds, having received not a single hryvnia from the state budget for design work.

In addition to ballistic missiles, Fire Point produces the FP-1 and FP-2 long range drones, as well as the FP-5 Flamingo cruise missile, capable of flying 3,000 kilometres. According to the company, these mass produced products generate the revenue that funds the missile programme.