Ukraine begins using Flamingo cruise missiles against Russia – The Economist
Ukraine begins using Flamingo cruise missiles against Russia (photo: facebook.com/techforceinua)
About 60% of deep strikes on Russian territory are carried out by Ukrainian drones. They can reach targets up to 1,500 km inside Russia, The Economist reports.
According to the publication, the main deep strikes on Russian territory are carried out by Fire Point FP-1 drones. With a lighter payload, they can reach targets at a distance of 1,500 km. They also have sophisticated software that has proven resistant to intense electronic warfare interference.
According to Ukrainian weapons systems expert Olena Kryzhanivska, the cost of an FP-1 is approximately $55,000, and more than 100 units are currently being produced per day.
Additionally, Ukraine utilizes the heavier and more expensive drone, Liutyi. It has a flight range of 2,000 km and a combat-proven machine vision system for target guidance.
Flamingo missiles
According to The Economist, the use of FP-5 Flamingo cruise missiles has also begun. It is noted that they are much faster than drones, fly at an altitude of only 50 meters above the ground, and have a flight range of over 3,000 km. They deliver strikes with a warhead weighing 1,150 kg.
The publication believes that if the FP-5 proves capable of penetrating Russian air defenses, it will take Ukraine's DeepStrike campaign to a new level of destructive power.
It is currently known that FP-5 missiles are produced using refurbished Soviet-era turbojet engines, and their carbon fiber fuselage is manufactured in just six hours. Currently, two to three FP-5 missiles are being made per day, but this number is expected to increase to seven by the end of the month.
Each cruise missile costs approximately $500,000. By comparison, the American Tomahawk missile is four times more expensive, has a shorter range, and carries a significantly lighter warhead. However, it is likely more accurate and harder to intercept.
Ukraine mass-produces Flamingo missiles
Earlier, the media reported that Ukraine had begun mass production of Flamingo cruise missiles.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal stated that this is a potent weapon. The missile successfully passed state tests.
For more details on what is currently known about this Ukrainian development and what Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said about it, refer to the RBC-Ukraine report.
