Sztilerman stated that preparations for the upcoming tests are progressing as engineers continue to refine the propulsion system. “At the beginning of the summer of 2026, tests of the new FP-9 short-range ballistic missile should begin,” he said.
Ukraine first revealed work on new ballistic missile systems in September 2025. The programme includes two projects: the FP-7 missile, derived structurally from missiles used in S-300 and S-400 air defence systems, and the heavier FP-9 missile.
Testing of the FP-7 missile has already begun. Ukrainian sources reported at the end of February this year that the first test firing of the system had taken place.
The FP-7 missile is expected to have a range of approximately 200 kilometres and carry a warhead weighing around 150 kilograms. The missile is designed to provide a domestic strike capability using technology adapted from existing air defence missile systems.
The FP-9 missile is intended to engage targets at much greater distances. According to available information, the missile could have a range of up to 855 kilometres, potentially enabling strikes against distant targets.
Performance estimates indicate the missile could reach speeds exceeding 1,200 metres per second, although some reports mention speeds of up to 2,200 metres per second. During flight the missile is expected to reach altitudes of approximately 70 kilometres with a total flight time not exceeding 520 seconds.
Ukrainian developers indicate that the missile will carry a payload of about 800 kilograms. The system is expected to use an inertial navigation system based on laser gyroscopes, which could allow an estimated circular error of around 20 metres.
The development of the FP-7 and FP-9 missiles is intended to provide Ukraine with independent long-range strike capabilities. Both systems are designed to serve as alternatives to U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles, which are available only in limited quantities.
According to Ukrainian assessments, the new missiles could also offer economic advantages compared with foreign systems. Officials have indicated that the domestically developed missiles may be roughly twice as inexpensive as the American ATACMS missiles while delivering comparable operational utility.
