Zelensky Named a 'Pelican' in the Record Moscow Strike. Whether It Is Fire Point's Ballistic Missile Is Disputed.
Zelensky listed a weapon called Pelican in the largest strike on Moscow Oblast. It may be Fire Point's FP-7 ballistic missile or a fixed-wing drone, and the FP-7's published range rules out a direct hit on Moscow.
The weapon may be Fire Point's FP-7 ballistic missile or a fixed-wing drone, and the FP-7's published range rules out a direct strike on Moscow either way.
President Volodymyr Zelensky listed Pelican among 10 Ukrainian-made weapons used in the overnight Sept. 19-20 strike on Moscow Oblast. He did not say what type of weapon it is, and he had not used the name before. The list also ran to FP-1, RZ-100, MICH-2000, Palianytsia, Vendetta, Liutyi, Bars, Flamingo and Sichen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Ukraine fire a ballistic missile at Moscow on Sept. 20?
That is not confirmed. Zelensky named a weapon called Pelican without giving its type. Ukrainian media first identified it as Fire Point's FP-7 ballistic missile, but unnamed sources later told RBC-Ukraine it is a fixed-wing drone.
Why was Pelican linked to the FP-7?
Fire Point applied earlier in 2026 to register the Pelican trademark, The New Voice of Ukraine reported, and Ukrainian media had attached the name to the company's ballistic missile program. Fire Point itself has only used the model number FP-7.
Could the FP-7 reach Moscow?
Not on published figures. Fire Point's website lists a range of up to 200 kilometers, and analyst Vasyl Pekhno puts it at 200 to 350 kilometers. ISW places the Moscow refinery roughly 450 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.
What did the strike hit?
Ukraine's General Staff said three units were damaged at the Gazprom Neft Moscow Oil Refinery in Kapotnya, including the AVT-6 primary crude unit. Fire Point said its FP-1 drones destroyed warehouses in Sofyino. Moscow's mayor acknowledged damage at the refinery.
When is the FP-7 expected in combat?
Fire Point CEO Iryna Terekh said at MSPO 2026 in early September that the missile had finished two test phases and would see combat within weeks, not months. Zelensky said on Aug. 9 that a domestic ballistic missile could be used as early as the fall.
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Marcus Schuler
Marcus Schuler edits BattlePolicy, a daily defense-technology brief connecting the companies and capabilities behind modern war to the contest among Europe, the US, Russia, and China.