Ukraine has revealed a powerful new weapon that could reshape the battlefield: the Flamingo FP-5 cruise missile. Developed by the Ukrainian defense company Fire Point, this long-range missile has the potential to strike deep into Russian territory, carrying a warhead strong enough to cause massive damage.
Key Features of the Flamingo FP-5
- Range: Up to 3,000 km (about 1,900 miles), covering almost all of European Russia.
- Warhead: 1,150–1,500 kg payload, far heavier than many of Ukraine’s existing missiles.
- Development Speed: Designed and tested in less than nine months.
- Technology: Faster than any of Ukraine’s current missile systems, and fully domestically produced.
According to Fire Point’s CEO and technical director, Iryna Terekh, the missile was kept secret during early testing but is now entering serial production, with a target of producing around 200 per month. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has hinted that hundreds could be available by the end of the year.
Symbolism Behind the “Flamingo”
Interestingly, the original prototypes were painted bright pink as a light-hearted nod to the role of women in Ukraine’s defense industry. The name Flamingo stuck, even though military camouflage was later adopted. Terekh noted that the project highlights women’s growing contributions in wartime innovation.
Russia’s Response
Moscow has tried to downplay the missile’s significance, but Ukrainian officials believe this signals concern. As seen with past strikes, Russia often attempts to suppress publicity when Ukrainian weapons prove highly effective.
Why the FP-5 Matters
The Flamingo isn’t just another missile. Its size and range mean it could target critical infrastructure far beyond the frontlines, something smaller drones and missiles cannot achieve. For example, Ukraine’s earlier Neptune missile (with a 150-kg warhead) caused a fire that burned for three days after hitting a Russian oil facility. By comparison, the Flamingo’s warhead is ten times larger.
Military experts warn that Russia’s air defenses can intercept such missiles, but Ukraine’s proven strategy of combining drones and missiles in complex waves could give the Flamingo a higher chance of slipping through.
A Strategic Shift
Even voices in the West, including former U.S. President Donald Trump, have acknowledged that Ukraine needs strong offensive tools to counter Russia’s invasion. The Flamingo FP-5 may mark a turning point, giving Kyiv a long-range option to strike back at the heart of Russia’s war machine.
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