The Sapsan system may be equipped with the new FP-9 ballistic missile
The FP-9 ballistic missile from the Ukrainian company Fire Point could become a potential weapon option for the “Sapsan” operational-tactical system. The missile component, in particular, has long been one of the key challenges for this system.
According to available data, the FP-9 is designed for a range of up to 855 km and carries a warhead weighing approximately 800 kg. However, development of the missile is still ongoing, so its specifications and prospects for use as part of the “Sapsan” system may change.
The expert noted that Fire Point’s management recently announced the operational deployment of the domestically produced ballistic missile as early as this fall. However, it is by no means certain that this will actually happen.
“The best indication of the company’s pace of work is the development history of the FP-7 [short-range ballistic] missile, which they promised to certify by the end of 2025. In August of this year, Fire Point stated that the FP-7 is already undergoing certification at the Ministry of Defense,” Badrak noted.
The analyst believes that a more realistic timeline for the deployment of the FP-9 long-range ballistic missile, as well as the FREYJA anti-ballistic interceptor, is in a year to a year and a half “at best.”
"Fire Point has received significant funding and been provided with documentation on previously developed ballistic missiles. Within the missile community, there are claims that the FP-9 is ‘essentially a technological solution’ for the Sapsan medium-range ballistic missile,” Badrak emphasized.
The expert notes that Ukraine already has successful experience scaling up military production by involving other manufacturers. As an example, he cited the Octopus interceptor drone, which is currently being manufactured under license by 29 domestic companies.
Valentin Badrak, an analyst and director of the Center for Army, Conversion, and Disarmament Studies, reported this in an article for LIGA.net.
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