Ukraine reports successful test of domestically developed ballistic missile
Photo: The Sapsan operational-tactical missile system (wikipedia.org)
Ukraine has conducted test launches of a domestically developed ballistic missile of an undisclosed type, according to statements by former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and the Militarnyi defense news outlet.
Ukraine tests new ballistic missile
According to Fedorov, the project was developed under the responsibility of the Ministry of Defense.
The former official said the test took place on July 14, the same day the government was dismissed.
Fedorov added that during the development process, the team:
- Fundamentally revised the technical specifications;
- Significantly improved the missile's accuracy;
- Reduced its cost by 30%.
He did not disclose the name of the missile system. However, according to analysts at the Militarnyi defense outlet, these details suggest he was likely not referring to Fire Point's FP-7 or FP-9 ballistic missiles.
Which missile could it be?
It was recently reported that the FP-9 ballistic missile only has testing of its solid-fuel rocket motor left to complete.
Fedorov may instead have been referring to the Sapsan operational-tactical missile system, which entered serial production in 2025.
In March, Ukraine's Defense Procurement Agency signed long-term contracts with domestic manufacturers of cruise and ballistic missiles. Deliveries under those agreements are expected to begin, at least in part, later this year.
Ukraine's missile development efforts accelerated significantly in late 2025. Work continued on upgrades to the Sapsan missile system, the Vilkha multiple-launch rocket system, and other projects.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in June 2025 that Ukraine was actively preparing for the mass production of domestically developed Sapsan ballistic missiles.
