Is it a missile? Is it a drone? What’s the Pelican used by Ukraine?
Ukraine has deployed its domestically manufactured FP-7 tactical ballistic missile, nicknamed Pelican, with a claimed range of up to 300 km. Ukraine is also prioritizing jet engines for drones and missiles, and has several types of long-range cruise missiles and missile-drones in its arsenal. The country has hit Russia with 1,000 drones. Russia's drone and missile attacks on Ukraine's population and infrastructure continue.
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- ✓ Ukraine has deployed its domestically manufactured FP-7 tactical ballistic missile, nicknamed Pelican, with a claimed range of up to 300 km.
- ✓ Ukraine is prioritizing jet engines for drones and missiles.
- ✓ Ukraine has several types of long-range cruise missiles and missile-drones in its arsenal.
- ✓ Russia's drone and missile attacks on Ukraine's population and infrastructure continue.
What changed
Ukraine's drone attacks on Russia have been quantified, with 1,000 drones used.
Live updates
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Ukraine's Pelican Missile and Drone Warfare
Ukraine has deployed its domestically manufactured FP-7 tactical ballistic missile, nicknamed Pelican, with a claimed range of up to 300 km. Ukraine is also prioritizing jet engines for drones and missiles, and has several types of long-range cruise missiles and missile-drones in its arsenal. The country has hit Russia with 1,000 drones. Russia's drone and missile attacks on Ukraine's population and infrastructure continue.
Why it matters
The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has seen an increasing use of drones and missiles. Ukraine's development and deployment of its own drones and missiles is a significant development in the war. The use of drones and missiles has dominated coverage of the conflict. Ukraine's attacks on Russian oil infrastructure have drawn criticism from US President Donald Trump.
What is confirmed
- Ukraine has deployed its domestically manufactured FP-7 tactical ballistic missile, nicknamed Pelican, with a claimed range of up to 300 km.
- Ukraine is prioritizing jet engines for drones and missiles.
- Ukraine has several types of long-range cruise missiles and missile-drones in its arsenal.
- Russia's drone and missile attacks on Ukraine's population and infrastructure continue.
What to watch next
- Further Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian infrastructure
- Russian response to Ukrainian drone attacks
- Development of Ukraine's missile and drone capabilities
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (4)
- united24media.com — Drone News from Ukraine: Combat, FPV & Battlefield Use — UNITED24 Media
- asiatimes.com — Operation Vivaldi: Ukrainian gain on a drone-filled battlefield
- www.cnbc.com — Ukraine hits Russia with 1,000 drones; Trump-Zelenskyy spat ...
- www.thedefensenews.com — Ukraine Reveals Technical Details of Russia’s New Filin ...
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Ukraine's Pelican Missile and Drone Arsenal Evolves
Ukraine's domestically manufactured FP-7 tactical ballistic missile, nicknamed Pelican, has been deployed in combat against Russian forces. The ground-launched weapon features a claimed range of up to 300 km. Ukraine is also prioritizing jet engines for drones and missiles, and has several types of long-range cruise missiles and missile-drones in its arsenal.
Why it matters
The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has led to significant developments in Ukraine's military capabilities, particularly in the realm of long-range missiles and drones. Ukraine's efforts to enhance its strategic capabilities are crucial in countering Russia's attacks. The country's progress in creating modern cruise missiles and drones is seen as a key factor in influencing the course of the war.
What is confirmed
- Ukraine has deployed its domestically manufactured FP-7 tactical ballistic missile, nicknamed Pelican, in combat against Russian forces.
- The Pelican features a claimed range of up to 300 km.
- Ukraine is prioritizing jet engines for drones and missiles.
- Ukraine has several types of long-range cruise missiles and missile-drones in its arsenal.
What to watch next
- Further developments in Ukraine's extended-range tactical ballistic missile and FP-9 variant
- Russia's response to Ukraine's expanding long-range arsenal
- The impact of Ukraine's drone and missile capabilities on the conflict
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (6)
- komersant.ua — Ukrainian heavy missiles that the Kremlin fears: "Flamingo" and…
- www.defensenews.com — Ukraine races to field faster interceptors as Russia hammers ...
- www.businessinsider.com — Ukraine's Prioritizing Jet Engines for Drones and Missiles ...
- theins.press — Peklo to Palyanytsia: Ukraine’s expanded long-range arsenal is changing the war
- www.europesays.com — bne IntelliNews - Infographic guide to Russia and Ukraine's ...
- www.thespec.com — The not-so-secret vulnerability in Ukraine's drone arsenal ...
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Ukraine Deploys Domestically Built FP-7 Missile
Ukraine deployed its domestically manufactured FP-7 tactical ballistic missile in combat against Russian forces for the first time, as confirmed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Nicknamed Pelican and manufactured by Fire Point, the ground-launched weapon features a claimed range of up to 300 km. Ukrainian forces previously used the Pelican during a coordinated strike on a Moscow oil refinery involving ten different drones and missiles. Following this operational debut, Fire Point is developing an extended-range tactical ballistic missile and a larger variant designated as the FP-9.
Why it matters
The rapid development timeline highlights Ukraine's expanding domestic defense manufacturing capabilities amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. Defense firms moved the weapon from initial concept to combat deployment significantly faster than typical industry averages. Meanwhile, the concurrent introduction of other indigenous ordnance systems points to a broader effort to secure strategic deterrents.
What is confirmed
- A Ukrainian firm developed a ballistic missile from conception to combat use in just over two years.
Still unconfirmed
- Fire Point is developing an extended-range tactical ballistic missile and a larger variant known as the FP-9.
- Ukraine unveiled the FP-5 Flamingo cruise missile on August 17.
What to watch next
- Combat performance data for the FP-7 Pelican missile
- Deployment timelines for the larger FP-9 variant and extended-range models
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (2)
- ukdefencejournal.org.uk — Ukraine built ballistic missile in just over two years - UK Defence Journal
- www.wionews.com — ‘For today’s war and tomorrow’s security’: Ukraine’s new ...
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Ukraine Deploys New FP-7 Ballistic Missile
Ukraine deployed its domestically manufactured FP-7 tactical ballistic missile in combat against Russian forces for the first time, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Manufactured by Fire Point and nicknamed Pelican, the ground-launched weapon has a claimed range of up to 300 km. Ukrainian forces also used a mysterious weapon called Pelican during a coordinated strike on a Moscow oil refinery that involved ten different drones and missiles. Following the operational debut, Fire Point is developing an extended-range tactical ballistic missile and a larger variant known as the FP-9.
Why it matters
The operational introduction of the FP-7 marks a domestic milestone for Ukraine's defense industry as the country adapts its military capabilities for winter operations. Fire Point is moving the weapon toward full-scale production while pursuing further strike and interceptor capabilities. Official details regarding the exact target of the initial combat deployment remain withheld.
What is confirmed
- President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on 1 October that Fire Point's FP-7 tactical ballistic missile had been used in combat against Russia for the first time.
- Ukraine's Fire Point stated the firm is developing an extended-range tactical ballistic missile after the FP-7 weapon saw combat.
Still unconfirmed
- Ukraine hit a major Moscow oil refinery with ten different drones and missiles in a single coordinated strike on September 20th, including a mysterious new weapon called Pelican that still has not been identified.
What to watch next
- Progression to full-scale production of the FP-7 ballistic missile
- Further developments on the larger FP-9 variant and extended-range tactical capabilities by Fire Point
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (6)
- www.defensenews.com — Missiles, satellites and warplanes — Ukraine, Europe advance ...
- defence-industry.eu — Zelenskyy reports first combat use of Ukraine’s FP-7 ...
- www.europesays.com — Ukraine Reports First Combat Use of Its Own Ballistic Missile
- nationalsecurityjournal.org — Ukraine's One-Two Punch Heading Into Winter: A New Ballistic ...
- charter97.org — The Ukrainian FP-7 Ballistic Missile Will Begin Combat ...
- ukrainetoday.org — Ukraine Hit a moscow Refinery With Ten Different Weapons at ...
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Ukraine Deploys New FP-7 Pelican Ballistic Missile
Ukraine has used its new domestically manufactured FP-7 ballistic missile, nicknamed Pelican, in combat for the first time against Russian forces. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the operational deployment on 1 October 2026. Manufactured by Fire Point, the ground-launched tactical weapon has a claimed range of up to 300 km. Officials have withheld specific details regarding the target of the initial strike. Following this operational debut, the weapon is slated to enter full-scale production as development continues on a larger variant known as the FP-9.
Why it matters
The introduction of the FP-7 Pelican marks a significant milestone in Ukraine rebuilding its domestic ballistic missile capabilities from scratch. Kyiv relies heavily on foreign military assistance, making indigenous missile production a strategic priority for independent long-range strike capabilities. The weapon bridges a vital gap in targeting Russian forces from domestic ground positions.
What is confirmed
- President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the first combat deployment of the FP-7 tactical ballistic missile on 1 October 2026.
- The weapon is nicknamed Pelican and is built by Fire Point.
- The ground-launched missile has a claimed range of up to 300 km.
- Officials have declined to disclose the specific target struck during the initial operational use.
- The weapon is set to enter full-scale serial production while development proceeds on the larger FP-9 variant.
What to watch next
- Transition of the FP-7 Pelican into full-scale serial production
- Further development progress on the larger FP-9 variant
- Additional combat deployments or identification of target types
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (4)
- nationalsecurityjournal.org — Putin Has a Problem: Ukraine's New FP-7 Ballistic Missiles Is ...
- nationalsecurityjournal.org — What Zelensky Didn’t Say About Ukraine’s New Ballistic ...
- voennoedelo.com — Ukraine Unveils FP-7 Pelican Ballistic Missile | Военное дело
- ukdefencejournal.org.uk — New Ukrainian ballistic missile used in combat
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Ukraine Deploys Home-Built FP-7 Pelican Ballistic Missile
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the first combat deployment of the domestically manufactured FP-7 tactical ballistic missile, nicknamed Pelican, on 1 October 2026. Built by Fire Point, the ground-launched weapon marks a major milestone in rebuilding Ukraine's domestic ballistic missile capabilities nearly from scratch. Officials have declined to disclose the specific target struck during this initial operational use. Following the combat debut, the weapon is set to enter full-scale production as development proceeds on the larger FP-9 variant.
Why it matters
The introduction of domestic tactical ballistic missiles allows Ukraine to strike targets independently of foreign supply restrictions. Kyiv has increasingly relied on its own defense industrial base to produce long-range and tactical strike systems. Work continues on the larger FP-9 model, which is slated for completion by the end of the year and designed with a range capable of reaching Moscow.
What is confirmed
- President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the first combat use of the FP-7 on 1 October 2026.
- The FP-7 is a Ukrainian ground-launched tactical ballistic missile nicknamed Pelican and produced by Fire Point.
- Zelensky's communications advisor declined to disclose what the missile struck.
Still unconfirmed
- The larger FP-9 variant is designed to reach Moscow and is slated for completion by the end of this year.
What to watch next
- Transition of the FP-7 missile into full production.
- Completion and testing of the larger FP-9 variant by the end of the year.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (2)
- currentaffairspulse.com — Ukraine Uses Its Home-Built FP-7 'Pelican' Tactical Ballistic ...
- kyivindependent.com — 'We're not telling' — Ukraine won't say what first FP-7 ...
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Ukraine Debuts Domestically Developed FP-7 Pelican Ballistic Missile
Ukraine has deployed its self-made FP-7 tactical ballistic missile in combat for the first time, marking a significant step in rebuilding the nation's ballistic capabilities almost from scratch. President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the initial combat use of the weapon, which carries the nickname Pelican and is produced by Fire Point. Following this first operational deployment, the missile will transition into full production. Meanwhile, development continues on a larger variant known as the FP-9, which is reportedly designed to reach Moscow and is slated for completion by the end of this year.
Why it matters
The introduction of the FP-7 Pelican reflects Kyiv's push to manufacture advanced tactical ballistic systems domestically. The weapon represents a major expansion of Ukraine's long-range strike capabilities against Russian infrastructure. Unconfirmed details surround the specific targets of the initial strikes and the exact operational range of the missile system.
What is confirmed
- Ukraine has deployed its domestically developed FP-7 tactical ballistic missile in combat for the first time.
- President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the combat debut of the FP-7 missile.
- The FP-7 missile carries the nickname Pelican.
- The weapon will now move toward production following its initial combat use.
Still unconfirmed
- Kyiv has not yet said what the missile struck during its first combat deployment.
- A larger FP-9 missile, reportedly able to reach Moscow, is slated for completion by the end of this year.
What to watch next
- Official confirmation of specific targets struck by the FP-7 Pelican missile
- Updates on the production timeline for the FP-7 and the development of the larger FP-9 missile
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (5)
- nypost.com — Ukraine debuts new self-made FP-7 ballistic missiles in ...
- migflug.com — FP-7 Ballistic Missile: First Combat Use | MiGFlug
- www.theweek.in — Ukraine’s new FP-7 ballistic missile enters the war. Should Russia be worried?
- en.protothema.gr — Ukraine uses its own FP-7 ballistic missile in combat for the ...
- hromadske.ua — Zelenskyy announces first combat use of Ukraine’s FP-7 ...
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Ukraine Deploys FP-7 Pelican Missile Against Moscow Refinery
Ukraine debuted its new FP-7 Pelican ballistic missile during overnight strikes against the Kapotnya oil refinery and a warehouse complex in Sofino. The Kapotnya facility, which supplies 35 to 40 per cent of Moscow's fuel market and has an annual refining capacity of 11 to 12 million tons, sustained significant damage despite heavily fortified local air defenses. This escalation coincides with Operation Vivaldi, a broader campaign where Ukrainian forces have retaken territory, captured hundreds of troops, and deployed robots for combat airdrops and mine clearance.
Why it matters
The long-range air war features an escalating drone and missile campaign targeting economic and industrial infrastructure deep inside Russian territory. Successful strikes within Moscow's air defense perimeter represent an embarrassment for Russian forces operating S-300, S-400, and Pantsir systems. Meanwhile, the Pentagon launched a 120-day study on future warfare led by industry figures.
What is confirmed
- Ukraine deployed its new FP-7 Pelican ballistic missile in strikes on the Kapotnya oil refinery and a warehouse complex in Sofino.
- The Kapotnya refinery supplies 35 to 40 per cent of Moscow's fuel market and holds an annual refining capacity of 11 to 12 million tons.
- Operation Vivaldi has resulted in Ukraine retaking 176 square kilometres, capturing 250 Russian troops, and killing 5,000 soldiers with the help of robots.
Still unconfirmed
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth launched a 120-day study on the future of warfare led by Elon Musk, Palmer Luckey, and Newt Gingrich.
What to watch next
- Assess repair timelines for the Kapotnya oil refinery following the latest strikes
- Monitor findings and recommendations from the Pentagon 120-day study on future warfare led by Elon Musk, Palmer Luckey, and Newt Gingrich
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.theguardian.com — The long-range drone war: Ukraine and Russia scramble for supremacy in the skies
- arstechnica.com — Robots make combat airdrops, clear mines as Ukraine defeats Russian pincer
- news.amnons.co.uk — Ukrainian FP-7 Pelican Missile Debuts in Strikes on Moscow ...
- www.forcesnews.com — Ukraine's Operation Vivaldi breaks the northern jaw of Russia ...
- techcrunch.com — The Pentagon taps Elon Musk and Palmer Luckey to help decide what the military should do next
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Ukraine Fires Over 1,000 Drones at Russia
Ukraine launched more than 1,000 drones at Russia during the third day of Russia's parliamentary election, marking a massive escalation that included the largest ever attack on Moscow. The strikes targeted the Russian capital and forced the halt of output at a Moscow oil refinery following a Sunday drone strike. These developments highlight an expanding aerial campaign by Kyiv deep into Russian territory. Observers continue to question the specific weaponry being deployed, including inquiries regarding the nature of the Pelican used by Ukraine as a missile or drone.
Why it matters
The aerial assault coincides with Russia's ongoing parliamentary election, bringing the conflict directly to the capital's energy infrastructure and urban centers. The Institute for the Study of War tracks these tactical shifts as part of broader offensive campaign assessments. The nature of the munitions deployed, specifically hybrid systems blurring the line between drones and missiles, remains a central operational question.
What is confirmed
- Ukraine fired over 1,000 drones at Russia, including the largest ever attack on Moscow.
- Moscow was targeted by a massive drone attack on day three of Russia's parliamentary election.
- Moscow oil refinery output was halted after a Sunday drone attack.
Still unconfirmed
- The Pelican used by Ukraine functions strictly as a missile rather than a drone.
What to watch next
- Further official assessments from the Institute for the Study of War regarding drone strike patterns
- Reports on the operational status of the halted Moscow oil refinery
- Clarification on the technical specifications of the Pelican weapon system used by Ukraine
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (5)
- CNN — Moscow targeted by ‘massive drone attack’ on day three of Russia’s parliamentary election
- PBS — Ukraine fires over 1,000 drones at Russia, including 'largest ever' attack on Moscow
- Institute for the Study of War — Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, September 20, 2026
- Al Jazeera — Is it a missile? Is it a drone? What’s the Pelican used by Ukraine?
- Reuters — Moscow oil refinery output halted after Sunday drone attack, sources say
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