Flamingo missile’s untested performance and high cost raise doubts about its ability to deliver the strategic impact Ukraine needs.
Yet, Ukraine has shown it can rapidly develop weapons threatening Russia, showcasing remarkable wartime innovation, The Economist. 1/
Yet, Ukraine has shown it can rapidly develop weapons threatening Russia, showcasing remarkable wartime innovation, The Economist. 1/
Ukraine revealed the Flamingo cruise missile with a 3,000 km range and 1+ ton payload. Developed in just 9 months by a team with no prior defense experience, officials say they were initially skeptical but “stunned” on seeing the missile firsthand. 2/
The Flamingo began as a “napkin scribble” in late 2024 after the US denied Zelenskyy’s request for Tomahawks. Inspired by V-1 and Strizh designs, its engine sits above the body.
A similar “FP5” appeared at a UAE show, link to Fire Point unclear. 3/
A similar “FP5” appeared at a UAE show, link to Fire Point unclear. 3/
Flamingo production is over 90% complete at secret, dispersed Ukrainian sites, with some work abroad. Its fiberglass body improves stealth versus metal missiles.
The AI-25 turbofan engine from Motor Sich in Zaporizhia, often attacked, poses production bottleneck. 4/
The AI-25 turbofan engine from Motor Sich in Zaporizhia, often attacked, poses production bottleneck. 4/
Current Flamingo production is one per day, aiming for seven daily by October 2025. Competitors question its authenticity, citing ties to the presidential office, non-competitive financing, and origin doubts.
At €1M each, it’s globally competitive but costly for Ukraine. 5/
At €1M each, it’s globally competitive but costly for Ukraine. 5/
Flamingo’s bulky design and steep launch make it radar-visible, with high expected interception rates. Aviation expert Kryvolap believes it can still exploit gaps in Russia’s weakening air defenses using creative, combined attack tactics. 6X
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