Ukraine Deploys New Domestically Built FP 5 “Flamingo” Cruise Missiles, Targets Dozens of Russian Held Sites

What Is the Flamingo FP‑5?

·         The FP‑5 Flamingo is developed by Ukrainian defense firm Fire Point. It has an estimated range of about 3,000 km, making it one of Ukraine’s longest‑range strike assets.

·         The warhead is sizeable — reportedly 1,150 kg, giving the missile a heavy destructive potential.

·         Guidance: It uses GPS/GNSS with inertial navigation (INS) backup, allowing for precision strikes.

·         Speed: The missile can cruise at ~850–900 km/h, with a peak of around 950 km/h.

·         Production: Fire Point has reportedly scaled up manufacturing.

Confirmed Use & Operational Impact

·         According to Ukrainian sources, the Flamingo has already been used in real operations. President Zelenskyy reportedly confirmed nine uses of the missile.

·         In its first publicly reported strike, Flamingo hit an FSB facility in occupied Crimea, damaging hovercrafts and infrastructure.

·         Observers note that the missile’s payload and range give it strike power comparable to the U.S. Tomahawk, according to defense analysts.

·         Russia has acknowledged at least some attacks and circulating debris images of the Flamingo, though details remain sparse.

Production and Scale-Up

·         Fire Point aims to significantly ramp up production. Reports suggest the company is producing 2–3 missiles per day, with plans to scale up to seven daily soon.

·         Serial production apparently began in August 2025. The cost per missile is reportedly lower than many Western long-range missiles, helping Ukraine produce these in relatively large numbers.

Strategic Implications

·         The deployment of Flamingo missiles gives Ukraine a deep-strike option to hit critical infrastructure and strategic military installations far inside Russian-controlled areas.

·         With a 3,000 km range, potential targets could include bases, logistics hubs, and command centers beyond front-line regions, significantly raising Moscow’s risk profile.

·         The weapon is being viewed both as a symbol of Ukraine’s growing defense self-reliance and a tangible deterrent against further Russian advances.

Challenges & Risks

·         While the missile is a major technological leap, defensive systems on the Russian side may attempt to intercept Flamingos, though its speed and low-altitude flight may complicate interception.

·         Production scale, while improving, will need to sustain if Ukraine is to use Flamingo as a cornerstone of its long-range strike doctrine.

·         There may also be international diplomatic implications, since long-range strike weapons could shift escalation dynamics and draw more global attention.