Ukrainian company Fire Point is preparing to field a ballistic missile in two variants for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and the system bears a strong visual resemblance to a well-known Russian design.
A domestically produced ballistic missile is expected to enter service with Ukraine’s military soon.
The missile closely resembles one of Russia’s own, Defence Express reports.
Fire Point, the Ukrainian manufacturer, has officially confirmed that its new ballistic missiles in many respects borrow the external design features of Russian munitions used with the S-400 air defense system.
The similarities are primarily in shape and aerodynamics, which clearly echo the 48N6 series. The company says the borrowing from Russia is a deliberate move to shorten development timelines and speed delivery of indigenous long-range missiles to Ukraine.
According to Fire Point, development of the FP-7, with a stated range of up to 200 kilometers, will be completed by year’s end. Once formalities are finalized, deliveries to the Ukrainian military will begin.
Next up is codification of the FP-9, a longer-range missile that developers say can strike targets up to 855 kilometers away.
The visual resemblance is explained pragmatically: the 48N6 system was created in the Soviet era and is still used by Russia, including not only in air-defense mode but also for strikes on Ukrainian cities. Adopting proven aerodynamic solutions, they argue, makes sense.
Fire Point stresses that the Ukrainian missiles use all-composite structures, making them lighter and able to travel farther. The guidance, control and onboard electronics in the FP-7 and FP-9 are Ukrainian-made and entirely different from Russian counterparts.
Fire Point also disclosed some FP-7 specifications: a range of more than 200 kilometers, a warhead of up to 150 kilograms, and a top speed of about 1,500 meters per second. The average speed is lower than that of Russian missiles, which the company attributes to a different propellant type and engine burn time. Even so, the country’s first modern ballistic system appears highly promising technologically.
