Zelenskyy Urges Fire Point to Accelerate FP-9 Missile Production for Autumn Deployment

Key points

• Zelenskyy confirmed the FP-9 missile, capable of reaching Moscow, will be operational by the end of autumn 2026.
• The FP-9 has a stated range of 855 kilometers and can carry a warhead weighing up to 800 kilograms.
• Zelenskyy personally urged Fire Point to accelerate development after the first combat deployment of the FP-7 missile.
• Ukraine plans to increase strikes on Russian oil refineries to counter Moscow’s attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
• The FP-7 missile, with a range of approximately 250 kilometers, was used in combat for the first time in early October 2026.

Background

Ukraine has been developing indigenous ballistic missiles to reduce dependence on Western-supplied weapons. The FP-7 missile, with a range of 200-250 kilometers, was first used in combat on October 1, 2026. The FP-9, with a range of 855 kilometers, is in its final testing stages. Fire Point CEO Iryna Terekh previously stated the FP-9 would be ready by the end of fall 2026. The development of these systems is part of Ukraine’s effort to expand its long-range strike capabilities.

How outlets are covering it

United24 Media and Ukrainska Pravda reported that Zelenskyy personally contacted Fire Point to accelerate FP-9 production. The Guardian focused on the first combat use of the FP-7 missile and Ukraine’s strikes on Russian oil refineries. All sources agree that the FP-9 will be ready this fall and that Ukraine is intensifying strikes on Russian energy infrastructure. The Guardian noted that Ukraine’s missile production is well behind Russia’s, while United24 Media emphasized Zelenskyy’s direct involvement in urging the manufacturer to speed up development.

Why it matters

The FP-9 missile’s readiness will significantly expand Ukraine’s ability to strike targets deep behind Russian lines, including Moscow. This development reduces Ukraine’s dependence on Western-supplied weapons and provides a domestic capability for long-range strikes. The intensification of strikes on Russian oil refineries aims to counter Moscow’s attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure and disrupt Russia’s war economy.

What to watch

Ukraine expects the FP-9 missile to be ready by the end of fall 2026. The country plans to continue intensifying strikes on Russian oil refineries and other war-supporting facilities. Fire Point will continue to accelerate production of the FP-9 missile. Ukraine will also focus on enhancing its electronic warfare capabilities and developing new interceptor models to counter Russian drone attacks.