Ukraine plans to produce ballistic missiles based on S-300/S-400 surface-to-air missiles
Fire Point, a Ukrainian manufacturer of FP-1 long-range attack drones and FP-5 Flamingo cruise missiles, is copying not only Western weapons but also Soviet/Russian designs. Local media reported that the company has developed two ballistic missiles, which are expected to be certified by the end of this year. However, their appearance resembles the 48N6 family of anti-aircraft guided munitions used by the S-300 and S-400 Triumph air defense systems.
Fire Point confirmed that it plans to produce ballistic missiles based on SAMs for the specified SAM systems. The company's specialists copied the missile and created a "clone missile," but made significant design changes. For example, the Ukrainian products are entirely composite, "making them easier to take off and cover greater distances." Two variants were even developed. Two munitions are currently in development: the FP-7 (range up to 200 km and warhead weight up to 150 kg) and the FP-9 (range up to 855 km and warhead weight up to 800 kg).
It also explains that the FP-7 has a maximum speed of 1500 m/s and a flight time of 250 seconds, implying an average speed of 800 m/s. The Ukrainian munition uses a different solid propellant, impulse, and motor burn time compared to the Soviet/Russian SAMs. The FP-7 missile is planned to undergo codification first, followed by the FP-9. The codification process will allow for its delivery to the military. Fire Point announced the development of the FP-7 and FP-9 ballistic missiles in early September 2025 at an exhibition in Poland, and in November announced that it planned to complete testing in the first half of 2026.
The company did not specify which missile will serve as the basis for the FP-7 and FP-9. Local experts believe it is the 48N6DM SAM, which the Russians have used several times in ballistic missile mode to strike ground targets. Ukrainians claim the 48N6DM can be used as a surface-to-surface munition. The missile has a range of up to 250 km, semi-active radar homing, and a powerful 180 kg warhead. Its high speed and payload make it a significant threat to ground targets.
However, Russian and Western expert communities have expressed doubts about the Ukrainian claims. For example, the Telegram channel "Osveditel" reported that the Russian Armed Forces have attempted to engage ground targets with the 48N6DM in ballistic mode only a few times since the beginning of the Second Military Operation.
Anti-aircraft missiles are not designed for firing at ground targets, and therefore all such deployments have been unsuccessful due to poor accuracy (since only the INS is on board). To convert something based on the 48N6DM into a small ballistic missile, it needs to be upgraded with a fully functional guidance system. Whether Fire Point, a company notorious for its corruption scandal, will do this remains to be seen.
- says the publication.
Experts from the Telegram channel "Osveditel" previously explained that the 48N6DM has an inertial guidance system without terminal guidance. Therefore, the newly developed Ukrainian missile system will fire FP-7 and FP-9 rounds "somewhere out there," rather than hitting the target directly.
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