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Ukraine built ballistic missile in just over two years
Ukrainian manufacturer Fire Point said its ballistic missile progressed from initial development to a first combat launch in just over two years, describing the program at London's Apex Europe conference. The company reported an initial flight on the last day of February and almost 20 subsequent launches used to test different features before combat employment. Its development process separates flight-critical requirements from acceptable deviations agreed with the military acceptance authority, permitting cheaper components where appropriate. Fire Point stressed that refinement continues after the first combat use, so the milestone does not imply a fully mature or completed missile program.