From film scouting to missile manufacturing: Ukraine's "Flamingo" maker's surprising evolution

From Film Sets to Defense Frontlines: The Astonishing Evolution of Ukraine's "Flamingo" Missile Maker

The defense industry, often shrouded in secrecy and perceived as a realm of established giants, can sometimes surprise with its rapid transformations. The Ukrainian company Fire Point, now a significant player in the nation's defense sector and renowned for its "Flamingo" missile and long-range drones, boasts a past that reads more like a Hollywood casting call than a military industrial complex blueprint. Astonishingly, just three years ago, this company was deeply immersed in the world of cinema, tasked with scouting locations and casting talent for film and television projects, as revealed by a New York Times investigation.

A Surprising Genesis: From Casting Calls to Combat Readiness

Egor Scalyga, legally registered as the owner of Fire Point, previously held the position of Chief Executive Officer at At Point, an entity dedicated to finding filming locations. Meanwhile, the technical director of the burgeoning defense contractor is listed as Iryna Terekh, who previously helmed a company manufacturing concrete elements for urban infrastructure. This stark contrast highlights a remarkable pivot, showcasing the dynamic adaptability and perhaps even the unexpected resourcefulness of Ukrainian enterprises amidst challenging times. Fire Point has surged to become one of the largest defense contractors for the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU), commanding contracts valued at an impressive $1 billion and operating approximately 30 clandestine production sites across the country.

The "Flamingo" Missile and Drone Offensive: A New Era of Ukrainian Warfare

The company's current portfolio includes the production of explosive-laden long-range drones and, crucially, a ramp-up in the manufacturing of the "Flamingo" missile. This advanced weaponry is designed to bolster Ukraine's capacity to strike deep within Russian territory, a capability that has become increasingly vital. However, the meteoric rise of Fire Point hasn't been without scrutiny. The company's ability to bypass competitors in numerous tenders, coupled with its unconventional pre-defense industry history, has fueled suspicions of political connections. Reports indicate that Fire Point's executives have been questioned as part of an anti-corruption investigation, underscoring the complex interplay of business, politics, and national security.

A Thriving Ukrainian Defense Ecosystem

The Ukrainian Ministry for Strategic Industries reports a significant boom in domestic arms manufacturing, with 425 new enterprises established between 2022 and 2024. The Brave 1 cluster data further illustrates this, noting that over 2,000 such companies are currently operational in Ukraine. In the specific niche of long-range strike UAVs – the domain Fire Point operates within – there are approximately 20 competitors. Fire Point's contracts alone accounted for a substantial 10% of Ukraine's defense procurement spending this year, demonstrating its significant impact on the nation's war effort.

Echoes of the Past: Zelensky's Cinematic Connections and Fire Point's Trajectory

The narrative of Fire Point traces back to an era when its principals were involved in the television and film industry, even during the time when Volodymyr Zelensky was active in that sector, long before his presidency. The company even received accolades for its role in selecting locations for his film "8 Best Dates." This historical link has drawn attention, with the National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP) reportedly investigating potential ties between Fire Point and Zelensky's business associate, Timur Mindich, exploring suspicions that Mindich might have profited from the defense company as an undisclosed owner. Fire Point has maintained that Mindich's attempts to acquire shares were ultimately unsuccessful.

Addressing Criticisms: "Flamingo" and FP-1 Drones on the Global Stage

Beyond the organizational and political intrigue, Fire Point has also faced criticism regarding the quality of its drones. The company asserts that initial issues have been rectified, and its primary drone, the FP-1, has proven effective in targeting Russian oil refining facilities. The FP-1 is described as a lightweight, aircraft-like drone equipped with a rocket booster for takeoff, a two-stroke engine, and an impressive range of approximately 1600 km. Its capacity to carry a warhead of up to 120 kg, combined with its construction from affordable materials, positions it for mass production. Fire Point claims its drones are responsible for 60% of Ukraine's attacks within Russian territory. The "Flamingo" missile, first showcased in August with an astonishing 3000 km range, has reportedly entered serial production. President Zelensky himself lauded the missile as "Ukraine's most successful weapon." Subsequent reports by the Associated Press indicated that Ukraine is producing one "Flamingo" missile daily at a secret factory, with plans to escalate production to seven per day.