Ukraine’s ‘Flamingo’ Missile: A New Era of Deep Strikes?
Ukraine is increasingly relying on its domestically produced FP-5 Flamingo cruise missile, with recent reports confirming its use in strikes reaching deep inside Russia. The General Staff confirmed its deployment in an attack on the Russian state-owned Votkinsk missile plant, located approximately 870 miles from Ukraine’s border.
From Drones to Missiles: A Shifting Strategy
For some time, Ukraine has heavily depended on long-range drones to target high-value assets within Russia, including military targets and oil refineries. However, experts suggest a strategic shift is underway, integrating missile systems like the Flamingo to enhance Ukraine’s deep strike capabilities. This move is partly driven by the need to penetrate increasingly sophisticated Russian air defenses.
Flamingo’s Capabilities: What We Realize
President Zelensky has described the Flamingo as Ukraine’s “most successful missile,” boasting a range of 1,864 miles. While details remain scarce due to operational secrecy, recent attacks suggest the missile is capable of hitting core targets within Russia’s missile industry. According to Fabian Hoffmann, a Doctoral Research Fellow at the University of Oslo, the February 20-21 strike marked the first successful hit on a key Russian missile facility using a heavy missile capability.
A Supersonic Advantage
Flamingo missiles fly at a high supersonic speed – around 620 miles per hour – significantly faster than typical long-range drones, which travel at approximately 155 to 217 miles per hour. This speed, combined with a substantial warhead exceeding 2,425 pounds (over half of which is high explosives), makes it harder for Russian air defenses to intercept and maximizes potential damage upon impact.
Production Challenges and Corruption Concerns
Despite its potential, Flamingo’s future relies on the production capacity of its manufacturer, Fire Point. Russia has reportedly targeted Fire Point facilities in its attacks against Ukraine, and a recent strike temporarily delayed the rollout of new missiles. Fire Point is currently under investigation by Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau regarding potential inflation of component values or delivery numbers.
Complementing the Drone Arsenal
Experts believe Ukraine will likely continue to develop its drone capabilities while simultaneously expanding its missile arsenal. The ideal scenario, from a Ukrainian perspective, involves a combined approach, leveraging the strengths of both drones and missiles for a more comprehensive deep strike capability. This includes systems like the Flamingo, Long Neptune, and Sapsan.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the range of the Flamingo missile? President Zelensky has stated the Flamingo has a range of 3,000 kilometers (1,864 miles).
- What is Fire Point? Fire Point is the Ukrainian manufacturer of the FP-5 Flamingo cruise missile.
- Has the Flamingo missile been used in attacks? Ukraine’s General Staff confirmed the use of Flamingo missiles in an attack on a Russian missile plant in Votkinsk.
- Are there concerns about corruption at Fire Point? Yes, Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau is investigating Fire Point over potential irregularities.
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