Ukraine Begins Serial Production of Long-Range Flamingo Cruise Missile

Ukraine has begun serial production of a new long-range cruise missile called the Flamingo, which reportedly has a range of approximately 1,800 miles (3,000 kilometers) and can carry a warhead weighing around 1,000 to 1,150 kilograms. The missile, visually documented by Associated Press photojournalist Efrem Lukatsky and Ukrainian media, is reportedly already being used in combat strikes against Russian targets. The Flamingo is believed to closely resemble the FP-5 missile produced by the Milanion Group, a UAE-based defense company that has supplied Ukraine and claims the missile can fly up to 3,000 kilometers at speeds reaching 590 mph, with advanced satellite and inertial navigation systems resistant to electronic warfare. Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal confirmed the existence of powerful long-range weapons like the Flamingo but withheld further details pending a strategic moment. The missile's payload capacity and extended range significantly surpass those of Ukraine's current drone arsenal, potentially enabling more destructive deep-strike operations against critical infrastructure beyond the reach of existing weapons. Analysts note that the Flamingo’s capabilities make it more powerful than the U.S. Tomahawk missile in terms of range and warhead size, with mass production capacity reportedly up to 50 missiles per month.