Ukraine's "Flamingo" missile enters mass production with 3,000 km range and 1-ton warhead

Ukraine's "Flamingo" Missile Enters Mass Production: A New Long-Range Threat Emerges

A significant development has emerged from the Ukrainian defense sector, with initial reports and photographic evidence suggesting that the long-range missile, codenamed "Flamingo," has entered serial production. Ukrainian photojournalist Efrem Lukatsky shared striking images of the sophisticated weapon on social media platform Facebook, hinting at its formidable capabilities and the commencement of large-scale manufacturing. Lukatsky's concise caption, accompanied by a photo dated August 14, 2025, indicated a remarkable operational range exceeding 3,000 kilometers and promised further details soon.

Unveiling the "Flamingo": Specifications and Potential Impact

Following Lukatsky's initial announcement, the publication ZN.UA has reportedly released combat footage showcasing the "Flamingo" in action, adding a critical layer of verification to the claims. The website Defense Express has further identified the missile as a potential analogue to the FP-5, a model unveiled by Milanion Group in February of the same year. This comparison is particularly noteworthy, as the FP-5 was reported to possess a flight range double that of the renowned Tomahawk missile, along with a significantly larger payload capacity. The "Flamingo's" design is also highlighted as being optimized for efficient mass production, a crucial factor in modern defense strategies.

Technical Prowess and Strategic Implications

For defense analysts, even limited information like range is often highly revealing in the world of advanced missile technology. The "Flamingo's" stated 3,000 km reach is indeed a dramatic leap, eclipsing the approximately 1,600+ km range of the current Tomahawk Block V variant. Defense Express, citing Milanion's infographic, has detailed the FP-5's specifications, which are likely applicable to the "Flamingo": a formidable 1-ton warhead, a maximum takeoff weight of 6 tons, and a wingspan of 6 meters. Its speed is equally impressive, capable of reaching up to 950 km/h, with a cruising speed between 850-900 km/h, and an endurance exceeding 4 hours. These figures paint a picture of a highly capable strike asset.

Design for Mass Production and Unanswered Questions

The FP-5, and by extension the "Flamingo," is characterized by its substantial size and a design that prioritizes streamlined manufacturing. While its deployment time can range from 20 to 40 minutes, its advantage lies in the potential for rapid and cost-effective production, with Milanion Group claiming the capability to produce over 50 units annually. The propulsion system remains a subject of speculation. Based on its visual characteristics and stated speed, it could employ a ramjet or a turbojet engine. The latter, however, raises questions about the availability of sufficient engine supplies for sustained mass production. As of this reporting, official Ukrainian defense channels have yet to provide a public statement on the "Flamingo" program.